Emotions should always play a big role when writing. Of course, you can say that your character is sad or happy. But there are so many other words you can use to better convey the emotions your character is experiencing.
Emotions in Writing
Below are lists of words for the emotions ‘happy’, ‘sad’, ‘angry’, ‘scared’ and ‘confused’.
Emotion: Happy
Strong: ecstatic – elated – energized – enthusiastic – excited – exuberant – jubilant – loved – marvelous – terrific – thrilled – uplifted
Medium: admired – alive – amused – appreciated – assured – cheerful – confident – delighted – determined – encouraged – fulfilled – grateful – gratified – joyful – justified – optimistic – proud – relieved – resolved – respected – valued
Weak: content – flattered – fortunate – glad – good – hopeful – peaceful – pleased – relaxed – satisfied
Emotion: Sad
Strong: burdened – condemned – crushed – defeated – dejected – demoralized – depressed – deserted – devastated – discarded – distraught – drained – empty – exhausted – grievous – helpless – hopeless – hurt – miserable – mournful – pitiful – rejected – sorrowful – terrible – unloved – unwanted – worthless – wounded
Medium: abandoned – alienated – ashamed – degraded – deprived – despised – disappointed – discouraged – disheartened – disillusioned – dismal – distant – distressed – disturbed – drained – inadequate – isolated – lonely – neglected – resigned – slighted – unappreciated – upset – wasted
Weak: apathetic – bad – deflated – disenchanted – lost – sorry
Emotion: Angry
Strong: betrayed – enraged – exploited – fuming – furious – hateful – hostile – humiliated – incensed – mad – outraged – patronized – pissed off – rebellious – repulsed – seething – spiteful – strangled – throttled – used – vengeful – vindictive
Medium: aggravated – agitated – anguished – annoyed – cheated – coerced – controlled – deceived – disgusted – dominated – exasperated – frustrated – harassed – irritated – offended – peeved – provoked – resentful – ridiculed – smothered – stifled
Weak: dismayed – displeased – tolerant – uptight
Emotion: Scared
Strong: afraid – appalled – desperate – dread – fearful – frantic – horrified – intimidated – overwhelmed – panicky – petrified – shocked – terrified – tormented – vulnerable
Medium: alarmed – apprehensive – axed – defensive – guarded – insecure – shaken – skeptical – startled – stunned – suspicious – tense – threatened – uneasy
Weak: anxious – concerned – doubtful – impatient – nervous – perplexed – reluctant – shy – timid – unsure
Emotion: Confused
Strong: baffled – bewildered – constricted – directionless – flustered – stagnant – trapped
Medium: ambivalent – awkward – disorganized – doubt – foggy – hesitant – misunderstood – perplexed – puzzled – troubled
Weak: bothered – distracted – surprised – uncertain – uncomfortable – undecided – unsettled – unsure
So the next time you are writing and about to pen how unhappy or scared your character is feeling – step into his shoes before you express their feelings.
Image from Pixabay
