Sentimentality originally indicated the reliance on feelings as a guide to truth, but in current usage the term commonly connotes a reliance on shallow, uncomplicated emotions at the expense of reason.

What is a sentimental person?

Call a person sentimental if he or she is led more by emotions than by reason. ... Sentimental describes a person who relies on emotions more than reason, or a novel or film that is overly emotional. Derived from the Latin verb, sentire "to feel," sentimental always implies that the emotions are involved a little too much.

Is sentimentality a bad thing?

But there can be a sharp downside to sentimentality. It is not always as tied with goodness and warmth as many think. Indeed, sentimentality can be dangerous to our health, well-being and collective future. ... But sentimentality also arises in creepy people, including demagogues, oligarchs and murderers.