For near-native learners: rare, literary emotional vocabulary that captures subtle psychological states in serious prose, criticism, and eloquent speech.
Free Emotions & Feelings vocabulary flashcards at the C2 level — all 35 words with definitions and examples. Study them with spaced repetition and use these words precisely, including nuance most learners miss.
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malaise
a vague feeling of unease and dissatisfaction whose exact cause is hard to identify.
ennui
a feeling of listlessness and boredom caused by having nothing meaningful to do.
consternation
a strong feeling of anxiety and confusion caused by something unexpected and alarming.
misgiving
a feeling of doubt and unease about whether a decision will turn out well.
foreboding
a strong feeling that something bad is about to happen.
chagrin
a feeling of annoyance and embarrassment caused by failure and disappointment.
antipathy
a deep, instinctive feeling of dislike toward a particular person.
rancour
a lasting feeling of bitterness and ill will toward someone.
umbrage
a feeling of offence and hurt pride caused by a perceived insult.
torpor
a state of mental and physical inactivity caused by low energy and apathy.
desolation
an overwhelming feeling of loneliness, grief, and complete emptiness.
reverie
a pleasant, dreamlike state of being completely absorbed in your own thoughts.
rapture
an overwhelming feeling of intense joy and delight.
solace
a feeling of comfort received during a time of great sadness.
respite
a short period of rest and relief from something difficult and demanding.
forbearance
the quality of staying patient and self-controlled despite provocation.
exuberance
a feeling of overflowing energy, enthusiasm, and high spirits.
pathos
a quality in a story that evokes a powerful feeling of pity and sadness.
seethe
to feel intense anger without showing it openly to other people.
exult
to feel and show great joy and triumph after a success.
gloat
to feel and express smug satisfaction at someone else's failure.
rankle
to continue causing lingering resentment and irritation for a long time.
languish
to remain in an unpleasant, neglected state and gradually lose vitality.
wallow
to indulge excessively in an unpleasant feeling instead of trying to overcome it.
begrudge
to feel resentful envy about someone else's good fortune and success.
rue
to feel deep regret about something you did in the past.
chafe
to feel irritated and impatient because of an unwanted restriction.
sanguine
feeling optimistic and confident even in a difficult situation.
phlegmatic
staying calm and unemotional even when a situation is stressful.
unflappable
remaining calm and steady even under great pressure and stress.
rueful
expressing quiet regret in a way that is also slightly amusing.
plaintive
sounding sad and mournful, as if expressing genuine suffering.
jaded
no longer excited by something because of too much past experience.
aggrieved
feeling resentment because of what seems like unfair treatment.
inured
so used to something unpleasant that it no longer causes distress.