adj. 1. Having, showing, or caused by emotion, especially tender or affectionate feeling: I have sentimental ties to the small town I grew up in. 2. Having, showing, or caused by strong or extravagant tenderness or sadness, often in an idealized way: "He had no sentimental illusions about poverty's virtues" (Sherill Tippins). sen′ti·mental·ly adv. Synonyms: sentimental, maudlin, mawkish, mushy These adjectives mean extremely or extravagantly sad or tender: a sentimental greeting card; maudlin expressions of sympathy; mawkish sentiment; mushy effusiveness. |
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