Feelings vs. Sentiments

In this lesson, we're going to learn all there is about these two confusing words. Have you read anything about the differences between these two?

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both refer to emotions and how we express them. However, 'feelings' refer to someone's emotional reactions and how they behave accordingly. 'Sentiments', on the other hand, are specific emotions associated with something.

Differences

It is really difficult to talk about the differences between these two. Generally speaking, 'feelings' are associated with emotional reactions and how one feels about his/her surroundings. Look at the following examples:

You hurt my feelings, Henry.

My therapist always tells me that my feelings are valid and they matter.

'Sentiments' are how we judge or view the world and even ourselves through our emotions. Look below:

I can sense some misogynistic sentiments in Bukowski's short stories.

There was a nice sentiment about the letter I had received.

Similarities

Both are associated with emotions and how we perceive the world through them. Check out the following examples:

Her matriarchal sentiment is observing through the way she has decorated her house.

So, tell me about your feelings regarding the event last night.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although both are related to emotions, it is better not to use them interchangeably. Compare:

✓ Suppressing our feelings will not make them go away.

X Suppressing our sentiments will not make them go away.

We do not have 'sentiments suppression'.

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