Emotional Vocabulary
Words for what you actually feel, not just 'good' or 'bad'.
Naming a feeling accurately changes how manageable it is. These words sit between the obvious ones, covering the mixed and in-between states that 'happy' and 'sad' walk straight past.
29 words
elated
adjective
Exultantly proud and joyful; in high spirits.
“the elated winner”
restless
adjective
Lacking or not affording physical or mental rest.
“a restless night”
yearning
noun
Prolonged unfulfilled desire or need.
vulnerable
adjective
Susceptible to attack.
“a vulnerable bridge”
tender
adjective
Given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality.
“a tender heart”
unsettled
adjective
Still in doubt.
“an unsettled issue”
uneasy
adjective
Lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance.
“farmers were uneasy until rain finally came”
hopeful
adjective
Having or manifesting hope.
“a line of people hopeful of obtaining tickets”
grateful
adjective
Feeling or showing gratitude.
“a grateful heart”
longing
noun
Prolonged unfulfilled desire or need.
melancholy
noun
A feeling of thoughtful sadness.
contentment
noun
Happiness with one's situation in life.
serenity
noun
A disposition free from stress or emotion.
euphoria
noun
A feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation.
empathy
noun
Understanding and entering into another's feelings.
compassion
noun
A deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering.
gratitude
noun
A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.
“he was overwhelmed with gratitude for their help”
loneliness
noun
The state of being alone in solitary isolation.
delight
noun
A feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction.
“his delight to see her was obvious to all”
frustration
noun
The feeling that accompanies an experience of being thwarted in attaining your goals.
anguish
noun
Extreme mental distress.
remorse
noun
A feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed).
resentment
noun
A feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will.
joy
noun
The emotion of great happiness.
grief
noun
Intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death).
sorrow
noun
An emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement.
“he tried to express his sorrow at her loss”
pride
noun
A feeling of self-respect and personal worth.
shame
noun
A painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt.
cheerful
adjective
Being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits.
“her cheerful nature”