Feelings and Emotions in English
Learn how to describe feelings and emotions in English. Explore nouns, adjectives, verbs and useful expressions, then practise pronunciation with flashcards and a quiz.
Feelings and emotions vocabulary list
| Meaning or clue | English word and pronunciation |
|---|---|
| Nouns | |
| a feeling of not liking someone or something | dislike I took an immediate dislike to his rude behaviour.An example of this word in context. |
| a state of deep or lasting sadness | depression She sought help for depression after months of feeling low.An example of this word in context. |
| a cheerful and friendly mood | good humour His good humour made the long journey more enjoyable.An example of this word in context. |
| the ability to see or express what is funny | humour A little humour helped everyone relax during the meeting.An example of this word in context. |
| a feeling of being annoyed | irritation He tried to hide his irritation when the train was late.An example of this word in context. |
| a strong feeling of affection or care | love Her love for her family is unconditional.An example of this word in context. |
| a feeling that something good may happen | hope We still have hope that things will improve.An example of this word in context. |
| the way someone feels at a particular time | mood She was in a cheerful mood after the concert.An example of this word in context. |
| a very strong feeling of dislike | hatred Hatred can destroy relationships and communities.An example of this word in context. |
| great unhappiness or suffering | misery He lived in misery until his circumstances changed.An example of this word in context. |
| a feeling that something is not good enough | dissatisfaction Customers expressed dissatisfaction with the slow service.An example of this word in context. |
| the feeling of having nothing interesting to do | boredom The children complained of boredom during the long drive.An example of this word in context. |
| respect and approval for someone | admiration I have great admiration for her courage.An example of this word in context. |
| the feeling of finding something funny | amusement The magician's tricks caused much amusement.An example of this word in context. |
| sadness when something does not happen as hoped | disappointment He could not hide his disappointment at the result.An example of this word in context. |
| sadness from feeling alone | loneliness She struggled with loneliness after moving abroad.An example of this word in context. |
| the feeling of being unhappy or grieving | sadness; sorrow She felt deep sadness after saying goodbye.An example of this word in context. |
| the feeling of being afraid | fear He overcame his fear of speaking in public.An example of this word in context. |
| a feeling of mild anger or irritation | annoyance She sighed in annoyance when the phone rang again.An example of this word in context. |
| admiration and consideration for someone | respect Mutual respect is important in every friendship.An example of this word in context. |
| the feeling of being happy | happiness Small moments of kindness can bring happiness.An example of this word in context. |
| a strong reaction to surprising or upsetting news | shock The unexpected news came as a shock to everyone.An example of this word in context. |
| sadness about something that happened or was done | regret He felt regret about the words he had said.An example of this word in context. |
| comfort after worry or pain ends | relief She breathed a sigh of relief when the test was over.An example of this word in context. |
| the feeling of being thankful | gratitude He expressed his gratitude for their support.An example of this word in context. |
| something you accept as true | belief Her belief in herself helped her succeed.An example of this word in context. |
| care and understanding for someone who is suffering | sympathy We sent a message of sympathy to the family.An example of this word in context. |
| a painful feeling of embarrassment or guilt | shame He felt shame after admitting his mistake.An example of this word in context. |
| A feeling or state related to self reproach | self reproach She struggled with self-reproach after the argument.An example of this word in context. |
| a feeling of being pleased with a result | content; satisfaction Finishing the project gave him a sense of satisfaction.An example of this word in context. |
| a feeling of discomfort after an awkward situation | embarrassment Her face turned red with embarrassment.An example of this word in context. |
| deep sadness after a loss | grief The family shared their grief after the loss.An example of this word in context. |
| a feeling caused by something unexpected | surprise The party was a complete surprise to her.An example of this word in context. |
| an action intended to hurt someone in return | revenge He realised that revenge would not solve the problem.An example of this word in context. |
| a strong feeling of displeasure | anger She took a moment to control her anger.An example of this word in context. |
| Adjectives | |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: out of humour | out of humour He was out of humour after a difficult day.An example of this word in context. |
| not worried about problems | carefree They enjoyed a carefree afternoon by the lake.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: unconcerned | unconcerned She seemed unconcerned about the approaching deadline.An example of this word in context. |
| worried or uneasy about what may happen | nervous I always feel nervous before an interview.An example of this word in context. |
| not feeling happy | unhappy He was unhappy with the final decision.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: dissatisfied | dissatisfied The guests were dissatisfied with their rooms.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: unconcerned | unconcerned He remained unconcerned despite the warnings.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: insulted | insulted She felt insulted by his careless remark.An example of this word in context. |
| showing strong interest and excitement | enthusiastic The students were enthusiastic about the new project.An example of this word in context. |
| believing that something good may happen | hopeful We are hopeful that the weather will improve.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: attracted to sb | attracted to sb She felt attracted to him from their first meeting.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling sorry for doing something wrong | remorseful He was remorseful after hurting his friend's feelings.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: weepy; tearful | weepy; tearful She became tearful while telling the story.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: impressed | impressed We were impressed by her thoughtful presentation.An example of this word in context. |
| very happy or eager about something | excited The children were excited about the school trip.An example of this word in context. |
| happy and positive | cheerful Her cheerful smile brightened the room.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: convinced | convinced I am convinced that we made the right choice.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling afraid | frightened The frightened child ran to his mother.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling fear | afraid She was afraid of walking home alone.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: scared | scared He felt scared when he heard footsteps behind him.An example of this word in context. |
| unhappy or distressed | upset She was upset by the unexpected criticism.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: overwhelmed | overwhelmed He felt overwhelmed by the amount of work.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling great happiness | joyful The joyful crowd welcomed the winning team.An example of this word in context. |
| unhappy because expectations were not met | disappointed We were disappointed when the concert was cancelled.An example of this word in context. |
| slightly angry or annoyed | irritated He became irritated by the constant noise.An example of this word in context. |
| sad because you feel alone | lonely She felt lonely in the unfamiliar city.An example of this word in context. |
| very worried or upset | distressed The distressed passenger asked for help.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling pleasure or joy | happy I feel happy whenever I visit my grandparents.An example of this word in context. |
| very pleased or happy | delighted She was delighted to receive the invitation.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling better because worry has ended | relieved He was relieved to hear that everyone was safe.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: in holiday spirit; in festive mood | in holiday spirit; in festive mood Everyone was in a festive mood at the celebration.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling thankful | grateful I am grateful for all your help.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: merry; jolly | merry; jolly The guests were merry after a wonderful evening.An example of this word in context. |
| showing care for someone else’s difficulties | sympathetic Her sympathetic response made him feel understood.An example of this word in context. |
| extremely angry | furious Dad was furious when he saw the damage.An example of this word in context. |
| very tired | exhausted; worn out I was exhausted after working all day.An example of this word in context. |
| Describes a person’s emotional state: heavy-hearted | heavy-hearted She left the hospital feeling heavy-hearted.An example of this word in context. |
| happy or satisfied | pleased; glad We were pleased with the progress we had made.An example of this word in context. |
| very surprised | astonished He was astonished by the size of the crowd.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious | embarrassed She felt embarrassed when she forgot his name.An example of this word in context. |
| worried about something that may happen | anxious I am anxious about tomorrow's exam.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling something unexpected has happened | surprised He looked surprised when I opened the door.An example of this word in context. |
| very surprised or upset | shocked We were shocked by the sudden announcement.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling guilty or embarrassed about something | ashamed He was ashamed of how he had behaved.An example of this word in context. |
| unhappy because of another person’s attention or success | jealous She felt jealous when her friend got all the attention.An example of this word in context. |
| wanting something another person has | envious He was envious of his neighbour's beautiful garden.An example of this word in context. |
| extremely surprised | amazed The children were amazed by the fireworks.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling something unexpected has happened | surprised She was surprised to see an old friend.An example of this word in context. |
| slightly angry | annoyed I was annoyed by the repeated interruptions.An example of this word in context. |
| feeling strong displeasure | angry He was angry about the unfair treatment.An example of this word in context. |
| thinking something bad may happen | worried She was worried about her missing cat.An example of this word in context. |
| very unhappy or low in mood | depressed He felt depressed after losing his job.An example of this word in context. |
| needing rest | tired I'm too tired to go out tonight.An example of this word in context. |
| not interested in what is happening | bored The students were bored during the long lecture.An example of this word in context. |
| showing care for someone else’s difficulties | sympathetic The nurse was sympathetic to the patient's concerns.An example of this word in context. |
| Verbs | |
| to feel pleased about someone’s achievements | to be proud of Her parents are proud of her achievements.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to be in pain | to be in pain He was in pain after falling off his bicycle.An example of this word in context. |
| to feel cheerful or positive | to be in a good mood She's in a good mood because she passed the exam.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to be blue | to be blue I feel blue whenever I miss my family.An example of this word in context. |
| to feel unhappy or irritable | to be in a bad mood He was in a bad mood all morning.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to be dead set against | to be dead set against She was dead set against selling the family home.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to be dog tired | to be dog tired After the hike, we were dog tired.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to be dead beat | to be dead beat I was dead beat after the twelve-hour shift.An example of this word in context. |
| to be deeply in love | to be head over heels in love They are head over heels in love with each other.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to be desperate | to be desperate He was desperate to find his lost dog.An example of this word in context. |
| to feel extremely jealous | to be green with envy She was green with envy when she saw the prize.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to be all in | to be all in After moving all those boxes, I'm all in.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to suffer | to suffer Many people suffer when they feel isolated.An example of this word in context. |
| to experience an emotion or sensation | to feel How do you feel about the new plan?An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to disgust | to disgust The smell of spoiled food disgusted everyone.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to experience | to experience She experienced a mixture of joy and relief.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to fascinate | to fascinate The stories of ancient cities fascinate me.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to despise | to despise He despises people who take advantage of others.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to slight | to slight She felt slighted when nobody thanked her.An example of this word in context. |
| to find someone or something pleasant | to like I really like spending time with my friends.An example of this word in context. |
| to feel anxious about something | to worry Try not to worry about things you cannot control.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to tire | to tire Long meetings tire me out quickly.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to feel blue | to feel blue He tends to feel blue on rainy days.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to hold in contempt | to hold in contempt The manager held the dishonest behaviour in contempt.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to have a spite against sb | to have a spite against sb He still holds a grudge against his former colleague.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to dislike | to dislike I dislike being interrupted when I speak.An example of this word in context. |
| to dislike someone or something very strongly | to hate She hates seeing animals suffer.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to dissatisfy | to dissatisfy The poor service dissatisfied several customers.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to bore | to bore That repetitive task bores me.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to insult | to insult Please don't insult people who disagree with you.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to charm | to charm His warm smile charmed the audience.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to recover | to recover She needed time to recover from the shock.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to disrespect | to disrespect We should never disrespect other people's beliefs.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to weep for joy | to weep for joy The parents wept for joy at the reunion.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to turn pale | to turn pale His face turned pale when he heard the news.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to take a dislike to | to take a dislike to She took an instant dislike to his arrogance.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to suspect | to suspect I suspect that something is troubling him.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to excite | to excite The prospect of travelling abroad excited her.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to scorn | to scorn The critics scorned his latest proposal.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to live through; to go through | to live through; to go through She went through a difficult period last year.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to convince | to convince He convinced me to give the idea a chance.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to frighten | to frighten The sudden noise frightened the baby.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to depress | to depress The gloomy weather can depress my mood.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to come round | to come round He finally came round after fainting.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to harm; to hurt | to harm; to hurt His cruel comments hurt her feelings.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to amuse | to amuse The comedian amused the audience with his stories.An example of this word in context. |
| to make someone feel let down | to disappoint I don't want to disappoint my parents.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to annoy | to annoy The constant tapping began to annoy me.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to despair | to despair Even in difficult times, she refused to despair.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to make someone angry | to make someone angry His careless remark made her angry.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to anger | to anger The decision angered many local residents.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to jump for joy | to jump for joy The children jumped for joy when school ended.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to look down on sb | to look down on sb Never look down on someone because of their job.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to make someone sad | to make someone sad The sad ending made everyone feel sad.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to lose patience | to lose patience He began to lose patience in the queue.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to lose control | to lose control She nearly lost control of her emotions.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to lose faith | to lose faith After so many broken promises, he lost faith in them.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to lose all hope | to lose all hope They refused to lose all hope of finding him.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to lose interest | to lose interest She lost interest in the book halfway through.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to respect | to respect We should respect other people's opinions.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to dance for joy | to dance for joy They danced for joy after hearing the good news.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to miss; to long for | to miss; to long for I miss my friends when I travel abroad.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to be homesick | to be homesick She felt homesick during her first week away.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to make someone happy | to make someone happy Your kind message made me happy.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to relieve | to relieve The good news relieved his anxiety.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to delight | to delight The surprise visit delighted her grandparents.An example of this word in context. |
| to become less upset or angry | to calm down Take a moment to calm down before you respond.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to believe (in) | to believe (in) I believe in giving people a second chance.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to embarrass | to embarrass His joke embarrassed her in front of everyone.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to feel sorry for | to feel sorry for I feel sorry for anyone who has lost their home.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to exhaust | to exhaust The long journey exhausted us.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to impress | to impress Her determination impressed the interviewers.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to turn red | to turn red His face turned red when everyone looked at him.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to please | to please It's impossible to please everyone all the time.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to amaze | to amaze The view from the mountain amazed us.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to blush | to blush She began to blush when he complimented her.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to surprise | to surprise We wanted to surprise him on his birthday.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to sadden | to sadden The news of the accident saddened the community.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to satisfy | to satisfy The answer did not satisfy the curious students.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to shock | to shock The unexpected announcement shocked the audience.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to shame | to shame Nobody should shame someone for asking for help.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to envy | to envy He envied his brother's confidence.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to astonish | to astonish Her extraordinary talent astonished the judges.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to irritate | to irritate The loud music irritated the neighbours.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to change colour | to change colour His face changed colour when he heard the accusation.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to hang one's head (in shame) | to hang one's head (in shame) He hung his head in shame after confessing.An example of this word in context. |
| An action or reaction involving emotions: to attract sb's attention | to attract sb's attention She waved to attract the waiter's attention.An example of this word in context. |
| Expressions | |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to be scared out of one's wits | to be scared out of one's wits The horror film scared me out of my wits.An example of this word in context. |
| to feel extremely happy and confident | to feel on top of the world After winning the scholarship, she felt on top of the world.An example of this word in context. |
| to feel extremely happy | to be in seventh heaven He was in seventh heaven when his daughter was born.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: i wished the ground would swallow me | I wished the ground would swallow me I wished the ground would swallow me when I made that mistake.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to feel sth in one's bones | to feel sth in one's bones I could feel in my bones that something was wrong.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to drive sb mad; to drive sb crazy | to drive sb mad; to drive sb crazy The constant noise is driving me crazy.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to make sb's flesh creep | to make sb's flesh creep That eerie sound made my flesh creep.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to put sb's back up | to put sb's back up His rude comments really put my back up.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: a bolt from the blue | a bolt from the blue The news of the closure came as a bolt from the blue.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: i'm sick and tired of | I'm sick and tired of I'm sick and tired of waiting for an answer.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: i'm fed up with | I'm fed up with I'm fed up with all these delays.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to get a kick out of sth | to get a kick out of sth She gets a kick out of solving difficult puzzles.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: out of the blue | out of the blue An old friend called me out of the blue.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: i'm not in the mood for jokes | I'm not in the mood for jokes I'm not in the mood for jokes right now.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: i don't feel like -ing | I don't feel like -ing I don't feel like going out this evening.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: i don't have the strength to | I don't have the strength to I don't have the strength to argue anymore.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to be beside oneself with joy | to be beside oneself with joy She was beside herself with joy when she heard the result.An example of this word in context. |
| to be extremely happy | to be over the moon; to be on cloud nine He was over the moon about his promotion.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: i didn't know where to look | I didn't know where to look I didn't know where to look when they started arguing.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to give sb the creeps | to give sb the creeps That abandoned house gives me the creeps.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: it gets me down | It gets me down Rainy days sometimes get me down.An example of this word in context. |
| to make someone wait anxiously for news | to keep sb in suspense The host kept us in suspense until the winner was announced.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: in low spirits | in low spirits He was in low spirits after the defeat.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to want to kick oneself | to want to kick oneself I could kick myself for forgetting her birthday.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to have a whale of a time | to have a whale of a time We had a whale of a time at the festival.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to be beside oneself with rage | to be beside oneself with rage He was beside himself with rage when he discovered the lie.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to smell a rat | to smell a rat I smelled a rat when the offer sounded too good to be true.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to be taken aback | to be taken aback She was taken aback by his unexpected question.An example of this word in context. |
| An expression used to describe feelings or reactions: to be scared stiff | to be scared stiff I was scared stiff when the lights suddenly went out.An example of this word in context. |
Flashcards – feelings and emotions
Read the meaning and try to remember the English word or expression.
Quiz – feelings and emotions
Type the English word that matches the definition. 10 random questions.
How to talk about feelings in English
You can say I feel happy, She is worried or He was relieved. Common expressions include to be over the moon (extremely happy) and to be in a bad mood (feeling unhappy or irritable).
Explore more personality adjectives and English vocabulary topics.