English advanced vocabulary: Emotion & Nuance
29 words with meanings and example sentences.
wistfulfeeling or showing a vague or regretful longing, often for something in the pastShe gave a wistful smile as she looked through her old photographs.
melancholya deep, pensive sadness with no obvious cause, often tinged with reflective thoughtfulnessA melancholy mood settled over him as the autumn evening grew dark.
euphoricfeeling intense excitement and happiness, often to an almost overwhelming degreeThe runners felt euphoric as they crossed the finish line of the marathon.
apprehensiveanxious or fearful about something that might happen in the futureHe grew apprehensive as the interview date drew closer.
disquieta feeling of anxiety or unease that lingers without a clear resolutionA quiet disquiet crept over her when the phone stopped ringing.
resignedaccepting something unpleasant that cannot be changed, without further struggleHe gave a resigned sigh and agreed to reschedule the trip once again.
elatedextremely happy and excited, often about a specific piece of good newsShe was elated when she found out she had been accepted into the program.
poignantevoking a keen sense of sadness or regret, often mixed with tendernessThe old man's farewell letter was so poignant that it brought tears to her eyes.
nostalgicfeeling a sentimental longing for a happy time in the pastHearing that old song made him deeply nostalgic for his college years.
trepidationa feeling of fear or anxiety about something uncertain that is about to happenShe approached the stage with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
contentmenta state of calm satisfaction and peaceful happiness with one's situationThere was a quiet contentment in the way he tended his garden each morning.
forlornfeeling sad, lonely, and abandoned, often with little hope leftThe forlorn puppy sat by the door, waiting for its owner to return.
hesitationa pause or delay caused by uncertainty about what to doThere was a moment's hesitation before she finally signed the papers.
assurancea confident statement or feeling meant to remove doubtHe gave his family every assurance that the surgery would go well.
aspirationa strong hope or ambition to achieve somethingHer aspiration since childhood was to become a doctor in her home village.
agitationa state of anxious excitement or nervous distressHis hands trembled with agitation as he waited for the results.
vulnerableopen to being hurt, emotionally or physicallySharing her fears with the group made her feel unusually vulnerable.
gratificationa feeling of pleasure or satisfaction, especially at having achieved somethingHe felt a quiet gratification watching the students he had trained finally succeed.
gleegreat delight, often shown openly and without restraintThe children shouted with glee when the ice cream van turned into the street.
blissperfect happiness or great joyLying in the hammock with nothing to do felt like pure bliss.
ecstasyan overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitementThe crowd was in ecstasy when the home team scored the winning goal.
elationa feeling of great happiness and excitement, usually after good newsHer elation at getting the job offer lasted the whole weekend.
hubrisexcessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to a downfallHis hubris convinced him the plan needed no backup, and it cost him dearly.
humilitya modest, unassuming view of one's own importanceDespite all his awards, he spoke about the project with real humility.
cynicisma general distrust of people's sincerity or motivesYears of broken promises had left her with a deep cynicism about politics.
obstinacystubborn refusal to change one's mind or approachHis obstinacy over the smallest details slowed the whole project down.
impetuositya tendency to act suddenly without thinking things throughHer impetuosity led her to quit the job before she had another one lined up.
vigilancecareful and continuous attention to possible danger or troubleThe guards kept up their vigilance throughout the long night shift.
foresightthe ability to predict or prepare wisely for future eventsIt was pure foresight that made them buy insurance before the storm hit.
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