Mr. Hume sometimes employs (after the manner of the French
metaphysicians) sentiment as synonymous with feeling; a use of the
word quite unprecedented in our tongue.
Stewart.
Less of sentiment than sense.
Tennyson.
Syn. -- Thought; opinion; notion; sensibility; feeling. -- Sentiment,
Opinion, Feeling. An opinion is an intellectual judgment in respect to
any and every kind of truth. Feeling describes those affections of
pleasure and pain which spring from the exercise of our sentient and
emotional powers. Sentiment (particularly in the plural) lies between
them, denoting settled opinions or principles in regard to subjects
which interest the feelings strongly, and are presented more or less
constantly in practical life. Hence, it is more appropriate to speak of
our religious sentiments than opinions, unless we mean to exclude all
reference to our feelings. The word sentiment, in the singular, leans
ordinarily more to the side of feeling, and denotes a refined
sensibility on subjects affecting the heart. "On questions of feeling,
taste, observation, or report, we define our sentiments. On questions
of science, argument, or metaphysical abstraction, we define our
opinions. The sentiments of the heart. The opinions of the mind . . .
There is more of instinct in sentiment, and more of definition in
opinion. The admiration of a work of art which results from first
impressions is classed with our sentiments; and, when we have accounted
to ourselves for the approbation, it is classed with our opinions." W.
Taylor.
Sen`ti*men"tal (?), a. [Cf. F. sentimental.] 1. Having, expressing, or
containing a sentiment or sentiments; abounding with moral reflections;
containing a moral reflection; didactic. [Obsoles.]
Nay, ev'n each moral sentimental stroke, Where not the character,
but poet, spoke, He lopped, as foreign to his chaste design, Nor
spared a useless, though a golden line.
Whitehead.
2. Inclined to sentiment; having an excess of sentiment or sensibility;
indulging the sensibilities for their own sake; artificially or
affectedly tender; -- often in a reproachful sense.
A sentimental mind is rather prone to overwrought feeling and
exaggerated tenderness.
Whately.
3. Addressed or pleasing to the emotions only, usually to the weaker
and the unregulated emotions.
Syn. -- Romantic. -- Sentimental, Romantic. Sentimental usually
describes an error or excess of the sensibilities; romantic, a vice of
the imagination. The votary of the former gives indulgence to his
sensibilities for the mere luxury of their excitement; the votary of
the latter allows his imagination to rove for the pleasure of creating
scenes of ideal enjoiment. "Perhaps there is no less danger in works
called sentimental. They attack the heart more successfully, because
more cautiously." V. Knox. "I can not but look on an indifferency of
mind, as to the good or evil things of this life, as a mere romantic
fancy of such who would be thought to be much wiser than they ever
were, or could be." Bp. Stillingfleet.
Sen`ti*men"tal*ism (?), n. [Cf. F. sentimentalisme.] The quality of
being sentimental; the character or behavior of a sentimentalist;
sentimentality.
Sen`ti*men"tal*ist, n. [Cf. F. sentimentaliste.] One who has, or
affects, sentiment or fine feeling.
Sen`ti*men*tal"i*ty (?), n. [CF. F. sentimentalité.] The quality or
state of being sentimental.
Sen`ti*men"tal*ize (?), v. t. To regard in a sentimental manner; as, to
sentimentalize a subject.
Sen`ti*men"tal*ize, v. i. To think or act in a sentimental manner, or
like a sentimentalist; to affect exquisite sensibility. C. Kingsley.
Sen`ti*men"tal*ly, adv. In a sentimental manner.
Sen"tine (?), n. [L. sentina bilge water, hold of a ship, dregs: cf. F.
sentine.] A place for dregs and dirt; a sink; a sewer. [Obs.] Latimer.
Sen"ti*nel, n. [F. sentinelle (cf. It. sentinella); probably
originally, a litle path, the sentinel's beat,, and a dim. of a word
meaning, path; cf. F. sente path. L. semita; and OF. sentine, sentele,
senteret, diminutive words. Cf. Sentry.] 1. One who watches or guards;
specifically (Mil.), a soldier set to guard an army, camp, or other
place, from surprise, to observe the approach of danger, and give
notice of it; a sentry.
The sentinels who paced the ramparts.
Macaulay.