Emotions & Feelings

Words for expressing inner states

Introduction

Expressing emotions is fundamental to human communication. Whether sharing joy or describing frustration, having the right vocabulary helps you connect with others on a deeper level.

This chapter covers vocabulary for emotions and feelings. You'll learn words for various emotional states, reactions, and the nuanced ways we express our inner experiences.

Themes

All Vocabulary (NGSL) in This Chapter (35)

• hope A feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen
• enjoy To take pleasure or delight in something
• surprise An unexpected event; to cause someone to feel astonishment
• worry To feel anxious or troubled; something that causes anxiety
• whatever Anything or everything of a particular type; used to express indifference
• suffer To experience pain, hardship, or something unpleasant
• stress Mental or emotional pressure; to emphasise
• satisfy To meet someone's needs, expectations, or desires
• appreciate To recognise the value of something; to be grateful; to increase in value
• pleasure A feeling of happiness or enjoyment; satisfaction
• desire A strong feeling of wanting something; longing
• glad Pleased or happy about something
• hate An intense feeling of dislike or hostility
• relax To become less tense or anxious; to rest and enjoy oneself
• bore To make someone feel weary by being dull; to make a hole
• sad Feeling unhappy or sorrowful
• emotion A strong feeling such as joy, anger, sadness, fear, or love
• angry Feeling strong displeasure or hostility
• emotional Relating to emotions; easily affected by feelings
• proud Feeling pleased about achievements; having self-respect
• comfort A state of ease and relaxation; to console someone who is upset
• calm Peaceful and quiet; not anxious or excited
• upset Unhappy or worried; to make someone feel this way
• mood A temporary state of mind or feeling; the atmosphere of a place
• nervous Anxious or apprehensive; relating to the nerves
• depression A mental health condition causing persistent sadness; an economic downturn
• guilty Responsible for wrongdoing; feeling remorse about something
• confident Feeling certain about your abilities or a situation; self-assured
• depress To make someone feel sad; to push down
• embarrass To make someone feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed
• joy A feeling of great happiness and pleasure
• curious Eager to learn or know something; strange or unusual
• hopefully Used to express hope that something will happen; in a hopeful manner
• anxious Feeling worried or nervous; eager to do something
• ashamed Feeling embarrassed or guilty about something