click on poster for larger image
For many of us, using feeling words to describe what’s going on inside can be tough. It seems a lot easier to describe someone else than our self. Yet, even when observing a friend we can be limited by our emotional vocabulary.
As a kid I loved watching The Flintstones. I remember Fred would tell Wilma she was very droll as he described her whimsical manner, usually when she gave him a wisecrack about something he did. This was a new word I latched onto and it had this sort of power to it. Of all the vocabulary to use in describing someone’s behavior, Fred told Wilma she was droll. Specific words can bring behavior or feelings alive.
Those involved with the step-study booklets understand the need to express their feelings. Words can be so powerful and lend themselves to drawing out the depth of a specific feeling. Many times that feeling is hidden beneath layers of protection and it lurks around until it can escape. Yet when it does rise, there can be no word(s) to describe it. Usually, this is not an issue when alone, but when sharing in a small group it is nice to be able to articulate what is going on inside.
The following is a partial list of emotional words. Click on the below links for more complete lists if interested. Search the list below and try to pinpoint how you feel today. If you’re in a small group, copy the list or lists from the links and use them when filling out your lessons. If you're not in a small group, the lists can be helpful in journaling or helping others understand how you feel. Lastly, developing a strong emotional vocabulary can assist in helping others
Mad:
Bothered * Ruffled * Irritated * Displeased * Annoyed * Steamed * Irked * Perturbed * Frustrated * Disgusted * Indignant * Bristling * Fuming * Explosive * Enraged * Irate * Incensed * Outraged * Furious
Sad:
Down * Somber * Glum * Lonely * Disappointed * Melancholy * Gloomy * Mournful * Grieved * Depressed * Crushed * Defeated * Dejected * Empty * Wretched * Despairing * Devastated
Glad:
Secure * Comfortable * Relaxed * Contented * Optimistic * Satisfied * Refreshed * Stimulated * Pleased * Warm * Snug * Encouraged * Tickled * Proud * Cheerful * Thrilled * Delighted * Joyful * Elated * Exhilarated * Overjoyed * Ecstatic
Afraid:
Uneasy * Apprehensive* Careful* Cautious* Hesitant* Tense* Anxious* Nervous* Edgy* Distressed * Scared * Frightened * Repulsed * Agitated * Afraid* Shocked * Alarmed * Overwhelmed * Frantic * Panic stricken * Horrified* Petrified * Terrified * Numb
Confused:
Curious * Uncertain * Ambivalent * Doubtful * Unsettled * Hesitant * Perplexed * Puzzled * Muddled * Distracted * Flustered * Jumbled* Unfocused* Fragmented* Dismayed * Insecure* Dazed * Bewildered * Lost * Stunned * Chaotic * Torn* Baffled * Dumbfounded
Ashamed:
Uncomfortable* Awkward * Clumsy
Self-conscious * Disconcerted * Chagrinned * Abashed * Embarrassed * Flustered * Sorry * Apologetic * Ashamed * Regretful * Remorseful * Guilty * Disgusted * Belittled * Humiliated * Violated * Dirty * Mortified * Defiled * Devastated * Degraded
More comprehensive Lists: Click on the below links
Feeling word list- Full List
4 comments:
thank you for the vocabulary strenthening I feel 'stretched'.tt
wow..excellent stuff here. just what i needed. i often get stumped when trying to describe how i feel. just going over this list helped me tune in. id like to talk with whoever put this together sometime.-- :)
Thanks, glad you liked the list. I thought it would be helpful. The list not only can describe, but it can also draw out emotions. Words are very powerful. They can only describe the human condition which in turn gives glory to God as the author of emotions. It is He who designed this extremely complex state we are in called the body.
Isaiah 40
How droll...
Post a Comment