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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Sentimental \Sen`ti*men"tal\, a. [Cf. F. sentimental.]
1. Having, expressing, or containing a sentiment or
sentiments; abounding with moral reflections; containing a
moral reflection; didactic. [Obsoles.]
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Nay, ev'n each moral sentimental stroke,
Where not the character, but poet, spoke,
He lopped, as foreign to his chaste design,
Nor spared a useless, though a golden line.
--Whitehead.
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2. Inclined to sentiment; having an excess of sentiment or
sensibility; indulging the sensibilities for their own
sake; artificially or affectedly tender; -- often in a
reproachful sense.
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A sentimental mind is rather prone to overwrought
feeling and exaggerated tenderness. --Whately.
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3. Addressed or pleasing to the emotions only, usually to the
weaker and the unregulated emotions.
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Syn: Romantic.

Usage: {Sentimental}, {Romantic}. Sentimental usually
describes an error or excess of the sensibilities;
romantic, a vice of the imagination. The votary of the
former gives indulgence to his sensibilities for the
mere luxury of their excitement; the votary of the
latter allows his imagination to rove for the pleasure
of creating scenes of ideal enjoiment. "Perhaps there
is no less danger in works called sentimental. They
attack the heart more successfully, because more
cautiously." --V. Knox. "I can not but look on an
indifferency of mind, as to the good or evil things of
this life, as a mere romantic fancy of such who would
be thought to be much wiser than they ever were, or
could be." --Bp. Stillingfleet.
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