C1adjectiveartsemotions
US/ˌsen.təˈmen.təl/
UK/ˌsen.tɪˈmen.təl/
connected with feelings and memories rather than practical value; also showing too much soft emotion
In context
The old watch isn't worth much, but it has great sentimental value.
I get sentimental whenever I hear the songs from my school days.
Some critics found the film's ending far too sentimental.
Words that go with sentimental
adjective + noun
- sentimental valueHer mother's letters have huge sentimental value for her.
- sentimental reasonsHe kept his first motorbike for sentimental reasons.
- sentimental songThe band closed the show with a sentimental song about home.
- sentimental attachmentMany people have a sentimental attachment to their childhood home.
adjective + preposition
- sentimental aboutMy dad is very sentimental about his university days.
adverb + adjective
- overly sentimentalThe memoir avoids being overly sentimental about childhood.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
This ring has a lot of spiritual value to me.Correct: This ring has a lot of sentimental value to me.