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Psychology vocabulary · Emotion and Motivation

Emotion

Meaning in psychology, with examples

/ɪˈməʊʃən/nounCore term

In psychology, emotion means: A short-lived reaction such as fear, joy, anger or sadness that involves a feeling, changes in the body and an urge to act in a certain way.

In Turkish: duygu

How it is used

Common in every area of psychology. Researchers separate emotion (short, linked to a trigger) from mood (longer, more diffuse). In clinical talk you will hear 'express emotions', 'difficult emotions' and 'emotional regulation'.

Example sentences

  1. Can you name the emotion you felt when your manager criticised you?

  2. Basic emotions such as fear and disgust are recognised across many cultures.

Common collocations

  • express emotions
  • basic emotions
  • negative emotions
  • emotional response
  • moodA general emotional state that lasts longer, is less intense and is less clearly linked to a cause than a single emotion, such as feeling low or irritable for days.
  • emotion regulationThe processes people use to influence which emotions they have, when they have them, and how strongly they experience and express them.
  • motivationThe forces that start, direct and keep up behaviour towards a goal, such as needs, desires, rewards and personal values.
  • stressThe body's and mind's response to demands or threats that seem to exceed a person's resources, involving physical arousal, tension and worry.

More terms: Emotion and Motivation

Practise with graded reading

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.