What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nostalgic
Example
The old photographs made me feel nostalgic for my childhood. [nostalgic: adjective]
Example
She listened to the song and felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. [nostalgia: noun]
sentimental
Example
He was very sentimental about his grandmother's old watch. [sentimental: adjective]
Example
The movie was so touching that it made her feel sentimental. [sentimentality: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nostalgic and sentimental are both commonly used in everyday language, but nostalgic is more commonly used to describe a feeling or emotion, while sentimental can also be used to describe a person or object that evokes strong emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nostalgic and sentimental?
Both nostalgic and sentimental can be used in formal and informal contexts, but sentimental may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with emotional depth and intensity.
