What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emotion
Example
She was overcome with emotion when she saw her newborn baby for the first time. [emotion: noun]
Example
He tried to hide his emotions, but his trembling hands gave him away. [emotions: plural noun]
sensation
Example
The sensation of warm sand between her toes was delightful. [sensation: noun]
Example
He felt a tingling sensation in his fingers after holding the cold metal for too long. [sensation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Emotion is more commonly used than sensation in everyday language. Emotion is a fundamental aspect of human experience and is often discussed in various contexts such as psychology, literature, and art. Sensation, on the other hand, is less common and is usually discussed in specific contexts such as medicine, neuroscience, or sensory perception.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emotion and sensation?
Sensation is often associated with a more technical or scientific tone, while emotion can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
