What is the purpose?

The purpose is to explain feelings and similar words in a language that kids can understand. An increased vocabulary makes it easier for kids to have a conversation about how they feel and how their actions can affect the feelings of other people.

Who is this for?

The dictionary can be used by all kids, parents, and teachers. Children might especially benefit if they fall into one of these groups:

• Language delays/deficits.
• Hard time interpreting other peoples' feelings. This includes children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Aspergers.
• Any kind of emotional or behavioral challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, or defiance.
• English as a second language.

How are words selected and described?

Feelings (emotions) words have no single accepted definition. People use words like shame, guilt, pride, and jealousy in different ways. In standard dictionaries these words are often defined using synonyms! This dictionary tries to simplify and does not aspire to provide a complete and academically correct definition.

The approach includes:

• Include most common words: Contains only the most common emotions words, some motivational states (e.g. hungry), as well as some related non-emotions words.
• Link to physical reaction: The explanation tries associate the word with the corresponding physical reactions. For example, anger is the urge to hit while fear is the urge to run away.
• Grouped by the six basic emotions: Grouping makes it easier to learn, and Ekman's (2007) six basic emotions is used as groups: anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness and surprise. Ekman's model has for decades arguably been the most influential emotion classification system and each emotion correspond to a distinct facial expression.
• An emotion can be a mix of other emotions: Some emotions are described as mixtures of other emotions. This is a view endorsed by several psychological models. For example, Warren D. TenHouten (theory of emotions, 2007) and Plutchick's model (1962).
• The most common use: The dictionary does not aspire to provide a complete definition.
• Merriam-Webster: For a reality check, many explanations are contrasted with merriam-websters online dictionary.

This is a work in progress! There are unfinished parts, bugs, and inaccuracies. Pictures are still mostly missing.

Contact & Feedback

Any feedback is appreciated. Email: adam962007-now 'at' yahoo.com

This dictionary was made as a side project by a dad of an 8-year old.

Feedback is appreciated!

Email: adam962007-now 'at' yahoo.com