Definition

A person who has strong feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia, often valuing emotions over logic.

Example

As a sentimentalist, she often reminisced about her childhood with great emotion.

Conversation

I think I'm becoming more of a sentimentalist as I get older.

Really? What makes you say that?

I find myself getting emotional about old photos and memories.

That's totally normal! It just means you appreciate the good times.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sentimentalist → It is formed from "sentiment" (from French *sentiment*, meaning feeling or emotion) and "-alist" (meaning one who practices or advocates). The word "sentimentalist" refers to a person who is guided by or emphasizes feelings and emotions.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is deeply in touch with their 'feelings' ('sentiment') and is an 'advocate' ('-alist') for those emotions.

Visually Confused Words