Emotions are words that describe how we feel inside. They help us communicate with others and understand ourselves better. Here are 10 common categories of emotions in English, each with example words.

Happiness

Words that describe feeling good, joyful, or content.
English SingularEnglish PluralSimple English DefinitionExample Sentence (English)Spanish SingularSpanish PluralExample Sentence (Spanish)
happinessn/athe state of being happyHer happiness was obvious.felicidadn/aSu felicidad era evidente.
joyn/aa very strong feeling of happinessHe felt joy when he won.alegrían/aSintió alegría cuando ganó.
smilesmilesa facial expression showing happinessShe has a big smile.sonrisasonrisasElla tiene una gran sonrisa.
delightn/agreat pleasure or enjoymentThe surprise was a delight.deleiten/aLa sorpresa fue un deleite.
cheerfulnessn/athe quality of being happy and positiveHis cheerfulness is contagious.alegrían/aSu alegría es contagiosa.
contentmentn/aa feeling of being satisfiedShe lived in contentment.satisfacciónn/aVivió en satisfacción.
excitementn/aa feeling of eager enthusiasmThe children were full of excitement.emociónn/aLos niños estaban llenos de emoción.
blissn/aperfect happinessThey lived in bliss together.felicidadn/aVivían en felicidad juntos.
pleasuren/aa feeling of enjoymentIt was a pleasure to meet you.placern/aFue un placer conocerte.
gleen/agreat joy, sometimes a bit mischievousHe laughed with glee.júbilon/aSe rió con júbilo.

Sadness

Words that describe feeling unhappy or sorrowful.
English SingularEnglish PluralSimple English DefinitionExample Sentence (English)Spanish SingularSpanish PluralExample Sentence (Spanish)
sadnessn/athe state of being sadHer sadness was deep.tristezan/aSu tristeza era profunda.
griefn/adeep sorrow, especially after a lossHe felt grief for his friend.penan/aSintió pena por su amigo.
sorrown/aa feeling of deep sadnessShe was full of sorrow.aflicciónn/aEstaba llena de aflicción.
miseryn/aextreme unhappinessThe poem describes misery.miserian/aEl poema describe miseria.
gloomn/aa feeling of darkness and sadnessThe room was filled with gloom.oscuridadn/aLa habitación estaba llena de oscuridad.
despairn/acomplete loss of hopeHe sank into despair.desesperaciónn/aCayó en desesperación.
melancholyn/aa deep, gentle sadnessThere was a touch of melancholy in her eyes.melancolían/aHabía un toque de melancolía en sus ojos.
lonelinessn/athe feeling of being aloneLoneliness can be hard.soledadn/aLa soledad puede ser difícil.
disappointmentn/asadness because something is not as hopedShe felt disappointment in the test.decepciónn/aSintió decepción en el examen.
regretn/asadness about something done or not doneHe expressed regret for the mistake.arrepentimienton/aExpresó arrepentimiento por el error.

Anger

Words that describe feeling mad or upset.
English SingularEnglish PluralSimple English DefinitionExample Sentence (English)Spanish SingularSpanish PluralExample Sentence (Spanish)
angern/athe state of being angryHis anger was obvious.iran/aSu ira era evidente.
ragen/aextreme angerShe flew into a rage.furian/aElla estalló en furia.
furyn/aintense, uncontrollable angerThe crowd was filled with fury.furian/aLa multitud estaba llena de furia.
annoyancen/amild anger or irritationHe showed annoyance at the delay.molestian/aMostró molestia por el retraso.
frustrationn/afeeling upset because of obstaclesHer frustration grew.frustraciónn/aCreció su frustración.
resentmentn/abitterness from being treated unfairlyHe felt resentment at the decision.resentimienton/aSintió resentimiento por la decisión.
irritationn/aslight anger or discomfortThere was irritation in her voice.irritaciónn/aHabía irritación en su voz.
hostilityn/aunfriendly or angry behaviorThere was hostility between them.hostilidadn/aHabía hostilidad entre ellos.
wrathn/aextreme anger, often used in storiesThe god’s wrath was feared.iran/aSe temía la ira del dios.
outragen/astrong anger about something unfairThe decision caused outrage.indignaciónn/aLa decisión causó indignación.

Choose the word that best fits: The crowd was filled with ____. (fury)


fury

Fury means intense, uncontrollable anger.

Fear

Words that describe feeling afraid or worried.
English SingularEnglish PluralSimple English DefinitionExample Sentence (English)Spanish SingularSpanish PluralExample Sentence (Spanish)
fearn/athe feeling of being scaredFear took over her.miedon/aEl miedo la dominó.
anxietyn/aworry about the futureHe felt anxiety before the test.ansiedadn/aSintió ansiedad antes del examen.
terrorn/aextreme fearThe story was filled with terror.terrorn/aLa historia estaba llena de terror.
panicn/asudden, intense fearPanic spread through the crowd.pánicon/aEl pánico se extendió entre la multitud.
dreadn/agreat fear about something unpleasantShe felt dread about the trip.temorn/aSintió temor por el viaje.
uneasen/aa feeling of discomfort or worryThere was unease in the room.incomodidadn/aHabía incomodidad en la habitación.
horrorn/aa strong feeling of shock and fearThe movie was full of horror.horrorn/aLa película estaba llena de horror.
nervousnessn/aslight fear before an eventHis nervousness was clear.nerviosismon/aSu nerviosismo era evidente.
worryn/aconcern about problemsShe was full of worry.preocupaciónn/aEstaba llena de preocupación.
apprehensionn/aworry about something that may happenThere was apprehension before the meeting.aprensiónn/aHabía aprensión antes de la reunión.

Surprise

Words that describe feeling shocked or amazed.
English SingularEnglish PluralSimple English DefinitionExample Sentence (English)Spanish SingularSpanish PluralExample Sentence (Spanish)
surprisen/aa feeling caused by something unexpectedThe surprise was exciting.sorpresan/aLa sorpresa fue emocionante.
amazementn/agreat surprise or wonderShe watched in amazement.asombron/aMiró con asombro.
astonishmentn/avery strong surpriseHis astonishment was clear.asombron/aSu asombro era evidente.
shockn/aa sudden, strong surpriseThe news was a shock.choquen/aLa noticia fue un choque.
wondern/aa feeling of amazementThe child looked in wonder.maravillan/aEl niño miró con maravilla.
disbeliefn/arefusal to believe somethingThere was disbelief in her eyes.incredulidadn/aHabía incredulidad en sus ojos.
awen/aa mix of fear and wonderThe sight filled her with awe.asombron/aLa vista la llenó de asombro.
confusionn/aa feeling of not understandingThere was confusion in the room.confusiónn/aHabía confusión en la habitación.
stupefactionn/abeing shocked so much you can’t thinkHe stood in stupefaction.estuporn/aSe quedó en estupor.
excitementn/aa feeling of eager enthusiasm (can overlap)The surprise caused excitement.emociónn/aLa sorpresa causó emoción.

Disgust

Words that describe feeling strong dislike or revulsion.
English SingularEnglish PluralSimple English DefinitionExample Sentence (English)Spanish SingularSpanish PluralExample Sentence (Spanish)
disgustn/aa strong feeling of dislikeThe smell caused disgust.disguston/aEl olor causó disgusto.
revulsionn/aa strong feeling of disgustShe turned away in revulsion.repulsiónn/aSe apartó con repulsión.
loathingn/aa deep hatredHe felt loathing for the liar.aversiónn/aSintió aversión por el mentiroso.
nausean/aa feeling of sicknessThe sight caused nausea.náusean/aLa vista causó náusea.
aversionn/aa strong dislikeThere was aversion to the idea.aversiónn/aHabía aversión a la idea.
distasten/amild disgustShe showed distaste for the food.disguston/aMostró disgusto por la comida.
repugnancen/astrong disgustThe act was met with repugnance.repugnancian/aEl acto fue recibido con repugnancia.
intolerancen/aunwillingness to accept somethingThere was intolerance in his views.intolerancian/aHabía intolerancia en sus opiniones.
contemptn/afeeling that something is worthlessHe looked at them with contempt.desprecion/aLos miró con desprecio.
abhorrencen/aextreme disgustShe felt abhorrence for cruelty.aborrecimienton/aSintió aborrecimiento por la crueldad.

Choose the word that best fits: She turned away in ____. (revulsion)


revulsion

Revulsion is a strong feeling of disgust.

Choose the word that best fits: The smell caused ____. (disgust)


disgust

Disgust is a strong feeling of dislike.

Love

Words that describe feeling deep affection or care.
English SingularEnglish PluralSimple English DefinitionExample Sentence (English)Spanish SingularSpanish PluralExample Sentence (Spanish)
loven/aa deep feeling of careTheir love was strong.amorn/aSu amor era fuerte.
affectionn/aa gentle loving feelingShe showed affection to her dog.afecton/aMostró afecto a su perro.
passionn/aa strong, intense loveTheir passion was undeniable.pasiónn/aSu pasión era innegable.
fondnessn/aa liking or gentle loveHe had fondness for old books.cariñon/aTenía cariño por los libros viejos.
adorationn/adeep love and respectShe looked at him with adoration.adoraciónn/aLo miraba con adoración.
infatuationn/aa strong but short loveThe teen felt infatuation.enamoramienton/aEl adolescente sintió enamoramiento.
devotionn/astrong love and loyaltyHis devotion was unwavering.devociónn/aSu devoción era inquebrantable.
tendernessn/agentle and caring loveThere was tenderness in her touch.ternuran/aHabía ternura en su toque.
desiren/aa strong feeling of wanting someoneHe felt desire for her.deseon/aSintió deseo por ella.
attachmentn/aemotional connectionThe child formed attachment to the toy.apegon/aEl niño formó apego al juguete.

Excitement

Words that describe feeling eager and energetic.
English SingularEnglish PluralSimple English DefinitionExample Sentence (English)Spanish SingularSpanish PluralExample Sentence (Spanish)
excitementn/aa feeling of eager enthusiasmThe announcement caused excitement.emociónn/aEl anuncio causó emoción.
enthusiasmn/astrong interest and eagernessShe spoke with enthusiasm.entusiasmon/aHabló con entusiasmo.
exhilarationn/aa feeling of great excitementThe ride brought exhilaration.euforian/aEl paseo trajo euforia.
anticipationn/alooking forward to somethingThere was anticipation before the game.anticipaciónn/aHabía anticipación antes del juego.
thrilln/aa sudden feeling of excitementThe rollercoaster was a thrill.emociónn/aLa montaña rusa fue una emoción.
jubilationn/agreat joy and celebrationThe crowd was in jubilation.júbilon/aLa multitud estaba en júbilo.
eagernessn/astrong desire to do somethingHe showed eagerness to learn.ansian/aMostró ansia por aprender.
delightn/agreat pleasureThe children were a delight.deleiten/aLos niños fueron un deleite.
zestn/agreat enthusiasm and energyShe tackled the project with zest.entusiasmon/aAbordó el proyecto con entusiasmo.
buoyancyn/aa cheerful and energetic feelingHis buoyancy lifted the mood.alegrían/aSu alegría levantó el ánimo.

Calm

Words that describe feeling peaceful and relaxed.
English SingularEnglish PluralSimple English DefinitionExample Sentence (English)Spanish SingularSpanish PluralExample Sentence (Spanish)
calmn/aa state of peace and quietShe remained calm under pressure.calman/aElla mantuvo la calma bajo presión.
peacen/aa feeling of tranquilityThe garden brought peace.pazn/aEl jardín traía paz.
relaxationn/athe state of being relaxedMusic aids relaxation.relajaciónn/aLa música ayuda a la relajación.
serenityn/aa deep sense of calmThe lake shimmered with serenity.serenidadn/aEl lago brillaba con serenidad.
tranquilityn/apeacefulnessThere was tranquility in the forest.tranquilidadn/aHabía tranquilidad en el bosque.
composuren/astaying calm and controlledHe kept his composure on stage.composturan/aMantuvo su compostura en el escenario.
stillnessn/acomplete quiet and calmThe room was filled with stillness.quietudn/aLa habitación estaba llena de quietud.
contentmentn/aa state of satisfaction and calmShe felt contentment after the meal.satisfacciónn/aSintió satisfacción después de la comida.
reposen/aa state of rest and calmThe cat lay in repose.reposon/aEl gato yacía en reposo.
equanimityn/amental calmness, especially in difficultyHe faced challenges with equanimity.ecuanimidadn/aEnfrentó los retos con ecuanimidad.

Choose the word that best fits: She remained ____ during the storm. (calm)


calm

Calm means a state of peace and quiet.

Embarrassment

Words that describe feeling self-conscious or ashamed.
English SingularEnglish PluralSimple English DefinitionExample Sentence (English)Spanish SingularSpanish PluralExample Sentence (Spanish)
embarrassmentn/aa feeling of self-conscious shameShe blushed with embarrassment.vergüenzan/aSe sonrojó de vergüenza.
shamen/aa painful feeling about oneselfHe felt shame for the mistake.vergüenzan/aSintió vergüenza por el error.
awkwardnessn/aa feeling of discomfortThere was awkwardness in the room.incomodidadn/aHabía incomodidad en la habitación.
humiliationn/aa deep feeling of shameThe loss caused humiliation.humillaciónn/aLa derrota causó humillación.
self-consciousnessn/abeing very aware of oneselfHer self-consciousness grew.timidezn/aCreció su timidez.
blushblushesto redden the face from embarrassmentHe began to blush.ruborn/aEmpezó a ruborizarse.
discomfortn/aa feeling of uneaseThere was discomfort on stage.incomodidadn/aHubo incomodidad en el escenario.
mortificationn/aextreme embarrassmentShe faced mortification calmly.mortificaciónn/aEnfrentó la mortificación con calma.
flustern/aa state of nervous confusionHe was in a fluster.confusiónn/aEstaba en confusión.
uneasen/amild discomfort or worryThere was unease at the meeting.inquietudn/aHabía inquietud en la reunión.

Choose the word that best fits: She blushed with ____. (embarrassment)


embarrassment

Embarrassment is a feeling of self-conscious shame.
Emotions are words that describe how we feel inside. They help us talk to others and understand ourselves. Here are 10 common groups of emotions, each with example words:
  1. Happiness: joy, smile, delight, cheerfulness, contentment, excitement, bliss, pleasure, glee
  2. Sadness: grief, sorrow, misery, gloom, despair, melancholy, loneliness, disappointment, regret
  3. Anger: rage, fury, annoyance, frustration, resentment, irritation, hostility, wrath, outrage
  4. Fear: anxiety, terror, panic, dread, unease, horror, nervousness, worry, apprehension
  5. Surprise: amazement, astonishment, shock, wonder, disbelief, awe, confusion, stupefaction, excitement
  6. Disgust: revulsion, loathing, nausea, aversion, distaste, repugnance, intolerance, contempt, abhorrence
  7. Love: affection, passion, fondness, adoration, infatuation, devotion, tenderness, desire, attachment
  8. Excitement: enthusiasm, exhilaration, anticipation, thrill, jubilation, eagerness, delight, zest, buoyancy
  9. Calm: peace, relaxation, serenity, tranquility, composure, stillness, contentment, repose, equanimity
  10. Embarrassment: shame, awkwardness, humiliation, self-consciousness, blush, discomfort, mortification, fluster, unease
You can use these words to describe how you feel or what you see in others.

Flashcards (1 of 100)

    • English Singular: happiness
    • English Plural: n/a
    • Simple English Definition: the state of being happy
    • Example Sentence (English): Her happiness was obvious.

    Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025

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