The Full Range of Emotional Expression

It’s easy for most people to identify common emotions such as happy, sad, angry or surprised. But there is such a wide range of emotions that go beyond these well-known few; sometimes what you’re feeling is so much more than happiness or anger. You need a word to help pinpoint exactly what’s going on inside. The following lists offer up a full range of emotional expression to help you identify exactly what you might be feeling – negative or positive. And once you know what you’re really dealing with, it’s far easier to figure out what you want to do about it!

Negative Feelings

Annoyed

bitter
edgy
exasperated
fractious
frustrated
impatient
irritable
irked
peeved

Discomfort

agitated
alarmed
discombobulated
disturbed
perturbed
rattled
restless
shocked
startled
surprised
troubled
turbulent
uncomfortable
uneasy
unsettled

Sad

depressed
despondent
disappointed
discouraged
disheartened
dismayed
gloomy
heavy-hearted
hopeless
troubled
unhappy
wretched

Angry

agitated
enraged
exasperated
furious
irate
outraged
quarrelsome
resentful
upset
vengeful
vindictive

Disconnected

ambivalent
apathetic
bored
complacent
distant
distracted
indifferent
numb
uninterested
withdrawn
“checked-out”

Stressed/Tired

burned-out
depleted
drained
drawn
edgy
exhausted
listless
overwhelmed
restless
spent
weary
worn out

Aversion

appalled
contempt
disgusted
dislike
disdain
horrified
repulsed

Embarrassed

ashamed
flustered
guilty
self-conscious
chagrined
humiliated

Vulnerable

fragile
guarded
helpless
insecure
leery
reserved
sensitive
shaky

Confused

baffled
bewildered
dazed
dumbstruck
hesitant
lost
mystified
nonplussed
perplexed
puzzled
torn

Fearful

afraid
apprehensive
anxious
distressed
frightened
guarded
hesitant
nervous
panicked
paralyzed
petrified
querulant
scared
suspicious
tense
terrified
watchful
vigilant

Yearning

envious
jealous
longing
pining
wishful

Positive Feelings

Affectionate

compassionate
friendly
inclusive
kindly
loving
receptive
sympathetic
tender
warm

Grateful

appreciative
moved
thankful
touched
hopeful
encouraged
expectant
optimistic

Rested

alert
alive
energized
invigorated
refreshed
rejuvenated
relaxed
renewed
replenished
restored
strong

Interested

absorbed
alert
amazed
awed
curious
enchanted
engaged
fascinated
intrigued
inspired
invigorated
motivated
rapt
spellbound
stimulated
transported

Hopeful

confident
encouraged
expectant
optimistic

Glad

alive
amused
cheerful
encouraged
energetic
enthusiastic
excited
grateful
happy
hopeful
joyful
optimistic
pleased
thrilled
wonderment

Peaceful

balanced
calm
comfortable
centered
composed
content
equanimous
fulfilled
relaxed
relieved
satisfied
serene
tranquil

Feelings based on the book by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD, titled Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, published in 2003 by Puddledancer Press.

Sensations

The following words are examples of sensation words, that is, a sense felt within the physical body more than felt as an emotional response. It is best to be alert to temperature, texture, movement, and/or image to determine the description of sensations.