känslomässig

Känslomässig is a Swedish adjective meaning related to or driven by feelings. It is used to describe things that are shaped by emotions rather than reason, such as decisions, responses, scenes, or atmospheres. The term is common in everyday language, journalism, psychology, and literary analysis.

Etymology: the word is formed from the noun känsla (feeling) with the suffix -mässig, yielding "characteristic of" or "in the manner of." The adverb is känslomässigt. The related noun känslomässighet denotes emotionality.

Usage and nuance: känslomässig can describe a person, a reaction, a piece of writing, a scene, or an argument when emotions play a central role. A känslomässig beslut describes a decision influenced by feelings, while a känslomässig scen conveys emotional intensity. The term is largely neutral but may carry a critical edge when used to suggest that emotions unduly bias judgment. It contrasts with rational or objective terms such as rationell or saklig. The synonym emotionell emphasizes the emotional state itself rather than its influence on judgment; känslomässig stresses the connection to feelings more broadly.

Related terms: känslomässighet (emotionality), känslorna (the feelings), emotionell (emotional).