What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sentimentalism
Example
The movie was criticized for its sentimentalism, as it relied too heavily on emotional manipulation. [sentimentalism: noun]
Example
She has a tendency towards sentimentalism, often becoming emotional over small things. [sentimentalism: noun]
nostalgia
Example
He felt a sense of nostalgia when he visited his childhood home after many years. [nostalgia: noun]
Example
She often listens to music from her teenage years to evoke feelings of nostalgia. [nostalgia: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nostalgia is a more commonly used word than sentimentalism in everyday language. Nostalgia is a relatable emotion that many people experience, while sentimentalism is a more specialized term that is primarily used in literary or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sentimentalism and nostalgia?
Sentimentalism is a more formal term that is primarily used in academic or literary contexts. Nostalgia, on the other hand, is a versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.