emotionally

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   In a way that shows strong feelings, especially when talking or reacting.

   Grammar: Describes how someone speaks or behaves; it often follows the verb: 'He spoke emotionally about his family.'

   Patterns

   • speak/talk emotionally
   • react emotionally
   • emotionally charged

   She spoke emotionally about leaving her hometown.

   He reacted emotionally when he heard the news.

   The debate became emotionally charged very quickly.

2. 2adverb

   In relation to someone's feelings rather than their body or their thinking.

   Grammar: Often used before an adjective such as 'difficult' or 'ready' to show which area is meant.

   Patterns

   • emotionally difficult/hard
   • emotionally ready
   • emotionally involved

   The divorce was emotionally difficult for everyone.

   He was not emotionally ready to move abroad.

   Teachers can become emotionally involved with their students' problems.

3. 3adverb

   In a way that affects or depends on feelings; from an emotional point of view.

   Grammar: Used to contrast feelings with logic or practical matters.

   Patterns

   • emotionally attached to something
   • emotionally dependent
   • emotionally draining

   She is still emotionally attached to her old house.

   Caring for a sick relative can be emotionally draining.

Common combinations

emotionally difficult

The weeks after the accident were emotionally difficult.

speak emotionally

He spoke emotionally at his daughter's wedding.

emotionally attached to

I've become emotionally attached to this little dog.

emotionally drained

After the long meeting, she felt emotionally drained.

react emotionally

Try not to react emotionally to every comment.

Synonyms and how they differ

feelingly

Means with strong feeling, but it is more literary and much less common than 'emotionally'.

passionately

Suggests very strong, often positive feeling; 'emotionally' is more neutral and can cover sadness or stress.

Opposites

Word family

emotion noun

A strong feeling such as love, anger, or fear.

emotional adjective

Relating to feelings, or showing strong feelings.

emotive adjective

Causing strong feelings, as in 'an emotive subject'.

Commonly confused: emotionally or emotionaly? emotionally or emotively?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “emotionally”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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