Känslomässiga

Känslomässiga is a Swedish adjective formed from känsla (feeling) and the suffix -mässig, meaning "emotional" or "emotion-driven." The word is typically used to describe things that relate to or are caused by emotions rather than reason. In usage, känslomässiga describes plural nouns; the singular form is känslomässig, and the adverbial form is känslomässigt. A related noun is känslomässighet, referring to emotionality.

In common language, känslomässiga is applied to attitudes, reactions, motives, or expressions that are heavily influenced by feelings. It is often used to contrast with rational or calculated behavior, though the nuance is not inherently negative; it simply notes the emotional character of the subject. Examples include känslomässiga beslut (emotional decisions), känslomässiga reaktioner (emotional reactions), and känslomässiga uttryck (emotional expressions).

The term is widely used across contexts such as psychology, literature, media, and everyday conversation. In psychology or behavioral descriptions, it can help distinguish between actions driven by affect and those guided by cognitive analysis. In literary critique, känslomässiga detaljer might be highlighted to emphasize character experience and inner states.

Etymologically, the word reflects the Swedish tendency to form adjectives that link feelings to qualities or modes of being. Related terms include emotionell, which also means “emotional” but with a different emphasis, and känslig, meaning “sensitive.” Understanding DNA of usage shows how känslomässiga captures a spectrum of affective rather than purely cognitive emphasis.