sentimental person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sentimental person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is easily affected by or prone to strong feelings of emotion, particularly nostalgia or sentimentality. Example: My grandmother is a sentimental person, always getting teary-eyed at old family photos and reminiscing about the past.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I'm not a sentimental person.

The New Yorker

"I'm a very sentimental person at heart".

The New York Times

"I've become a very sentimental person," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

You don't strike me as a sentimental person.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was, I think, the least sentimental person I have ever known.

The New York Times

When I mentioned Dostum, Karzai offered a conflicted reply: "I am quite a sentimental person.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

On Memorial Day and Veterans Day there would be a lot more people, families and friends of the military personnel buried there, and there would be more mementos and trinkets left — tokens that would evoke memories that were sentimental to the person buried there or the visitor.

The New York Times

Write a highly personal and sentimental card, so the person remembers the card and not the present.

WikiHow

In 1966 the Lord Mayor of Dublin dismissed the society's efforts, saying ordinary citizens had "little sympathy with the sentimental nonsense of persons who had never experienced bad housing conditions".

The New York Times

Overdiagnosis will lead to unnecessary treatment and sentimental stigma of persons.

BioMed Research International

"He was a nice person, very sentimental, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "sentimental person" to quickly convey their deep emotional connections and fondness for the past, making sure the context supports this emotional depth.

Common error

Avoid using "sentimental person" when you simply mean someone is emotional. Sentimentality implies a specific fondness for memories and emotional connections, not just general emotionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sentimental person" functions as a noun phrase, where 'sentimental' modifies 'person'. It is used to describe an individual who is easily affected by emotions, particularly those related to nostalgia, memories, and personal connections. Ludwig provides several examples where this phrase is used to characterize individuals in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sentimental person" effectively describes someone with a strong emotional connection to memories and personal relationships. Ludwig's analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in news and media. While often used positively, it's essential to recognize that excessive sentimentality can also have negative connotations. Remember that sentimentality is specific to emotional connections and is not meant to just describe emotionality. So alternatives such as "emotional individual", "person prone to nostalgia", or "tender-hearted person" can be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person prone to nostalgia

Directly states the person's inclination towards nostalgic feelings.

emotional individual

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of the person, lacking the nuance of valuing memories and connections.

tender-hearted person

Highlights the caring and compassionate nature of the person.

one who cherishes memories

Focuses on the act of valuing and preserving memories, which is a key aspect of sentimentality.

emotionally attached individual

Focuses on the attachment to people and objects of sentimental value, not necessarily feeling nostalgia.

nostalgic soul

Emphasizes the person's tendency to look back fondly on the past.

person with a soft spot

Highlights the person's vulnerability and affection towards certain things or people.

romantic at heart

Highlights the romantic inclinations of the person, emphasizing idealism and emotional connection.

deeply feeling person

Emphasizes the intensity of the person's emotions, lacking the specific element of sentimentality.

person ruled by their emotions

Highlights the person's emotional-driven behavior and decision-making

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is the opposite of a "sentimental person"?

You could describe them as unsentimental, pragmatic, stoic, or detached. The best term depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between a "sentimental person" and an emotional person?

While both experience feelings intensely, a "sentimental person" specifically cherishes memories and connections to the past. An emotional person simply experiences a wide range of emotions strongly.

What are some synonyms for "sentimental person" that emphasize their caring nature?

Consider using phrases like "tender-hearted person", or a person who "cherishes memories" to highlight their affectionate qualities.

Is it always positive to be described as a "sentimental person"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies warmth and fondness, excessive sentimentality can sometimes be seen as impractical or overly emotional, depending on the context.