positive emotion

USAGE SUMMARY

"positive emotion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe any emotion that is perceived as positive. For example, "The sound of laughter filled the room, and everyone was filled with a positive emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dr. Fredrickson, whose book "Positivity" was published this year, differentiates between positive thinking and positive emotion.

The New York Times

"Teasing can be overwhelmingly negative yet delivered with positive emotion".

The New Yorker

They also use fewer "non-extreme positive emotion words".

The Economist

Individuals in Western cultures identify "feeling good" as a high-arousal positive emotion, whereas Eastern cultures prefer a low-arousal positive emotion.

University of California, Berkeley

The first part of the curriculum focuses on the Pleasant Life and building positive emotion.

The New York Times

Faces expressing a positive emotion were rated as more stereotypical and approachable, regardless of race.

The Guardian

"Positive thinking can sometimes lead to positive emotion, but it won't always," she said.

The New York Times

In contrast, desire is a positive emotion with high motivational intensity.

Harvard Business Review

For example, pleasant is a positive emotion, but it has low motivational intensity.

Harvard Business Review

There is also evidence that recently widowed individuals experience a significant decline in positive emotion.

Cornell University

Is the route to happiness simply to feel more positive emotion and less negative emotion?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "positive emotion" to describe feelings of happiness, joy, gratitude, and other uplifting experiences. Be specific about the emotion you are describing for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "positive emotion" as a blanket term for all good feelings. Instead, specify the exact emotion experienced, such as "joy", "gratitude", or "contentment", to convey a more precise meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "positive emotion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a general category of feelings considered beneficial or pleasant. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

33%

Science

31%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "positive emotion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes feelings of happiness, joy, gratitude, and overall well-being. As verified by Ludwig, its correct and widespread application spans across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science. While "positive emotion" serves as a valuable descriptor, it's crucial to specify the particular emotion experienced for greater clarity. Alternatives include "pleasant feeling", "joyful sentiment", and "feeling of happiness". It's important to prevent overgeneralization and recognize the significance of negative emotions and cognitive processes in the overall emotional experience. In summary, understanding the context and nuances of "positive emotion" enables clear communication and a better comprehension of emotional states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good feeling

A more general term for a positive emotional experience.

positive sentiment

A more general term to define a positive attitude.

feeling of happiness

Highlights the state of being happy as the core emotion.

pleasant feeling

Focuses on the sensory experience of the emotion, highlighting its agreeable nature.

feeling of elation

Highlights a feeling of great happiness and excitement.

joyful sentiment

Emphasizes the feeling of joy and its expression in thought or action.

feeling of optimism

Focuses on a hopeful and confident feeling about the future.

uplifting sensation

Conveys the elevating and invigorating aspect of the emotion.

state of contentment

Focuses on the feeling of satisfaction and peace.

sense of well-being

Emphasizes the overall feeling of being healthy and content.

FAQs

How can I use "positive emotion" in a sentence?

You can use "positive emotion" to describe a general feeling of well-being, for example: "Cultivating "positive emotions" can improve your overall health."

What are some synonyms for "positive emotion"?

Alternatives include "pleasant feeling", "joyful sentiment", or "feeling of happiness", depending on the specific context.

Is it always good to have a "positive emotion"?

While generally beneficial, excessively suppressing negative emotions or fixating solely on "positive thinking" can be detrimental. Balance is key.

What's the difference between "positive emotion" and "positive thinking"?

"Positive emotion" refers to the actual feeling, while "positive thinking" is a cognitive process. As Barbara Fredrickson notes, positive thinking doesn't always lead to a positive emotion.