What does sentiment mean?
Sentiment is a noun meaning a feeling, emotion, or attitude toward a person, event, or idea. It is especially useful when describing the feelings or opinions held by a group rather than one person's private reaction, as in "public sentiment" or "consumer sentiment." The word can also mean a broadly shared viewpoint or, in financial reporting, the emotional tone and expectations of market participants. Sentiment is more formal and reflective than "feeling," but less focused on sentimentality, which refers to an exaggerated display of emotion. Historically, the word encompassed a person's inner thoughts as well as emotions, so its modern use retains the sense of an attitude formed by experience and reflection. In everyday argument and public discussion, asking about sentiment often means asking what people feel or believe, while in opinion writing it may imply a collective mood that shapes decisions and responses.
nounA feeling, emotion, or attitude toward someone or something, especially one expressed in words. It can also refer to the general opinion or emotional outlook of a group or public.
- A feeling, emotion, or attitude toward someone or something.
- A shared or public opinion, viewpoint, or emotional disposition.
- The overall emotional tone or expectations of participants in a financial market.
"The speech was designed to rally public sentiment in support of the proposal."
"There was little sentiment among voters for changing the existing policy."
"Analysts were divided over the prevailing market sentiment."
The regular plural is used especially for distinct feelings, opinions, or views, as in "express sentiments" or "the sentiments of the public."
"Several members expressed their sentiments about the proposal."
Sentiment once meant the whole range of a person's inner thoughts and feelings, so the word has always carried more than emotion alone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sentiment come from?
Sentiment entered English in the late 16th century from French sentiment, which developed from Medieval Latin sentire, meaning "to feel" or "to perceive." The English word initially covered both intellectual judgment and emotion, not merely tenderness or sentimentality. Its Latin root also produced cognates such as sensation, sensory, sensible, and sentient.
Related word forms
How sentiment is actually used
Sentiment is neutral in register but often suggests a more considered, public, or evaluative feeling than the everyday word "feeling." In finance, it is a technical term for the mood and expectations of market participants.
Easily confused with sentiment
Sentiment refers to feelings, attitudes, or opinions, whereas sentimentality suggests an exaggerated or excessively emotional display.