sentiment

noun

Etymology: From Old French sentement, from Latin sentimentum.

1. A general thought, feeling, or sense.

   “The sentiment emerged that we were acting too soon.”

   “"Now, my dear young friend," continued the bookseller, "you seem fond of reason; let me talk a little reason to you. Here, take your pamphlet again: there is good material in it, but it requires the making up. Leave out some of your arguments, and throw in a few sentiments,—something about free-born Britons and wooden shoes! Englishmen like to have a few sentiments ready for after-dinner use, in case of a speech...”

2. Feelings, especially tender feelings, as apart from reason or judgment, or of a weak or foolish kind.

   “Near-synonyms: feels; maudlinness”

   “Good decision-making is not governed by mere sentiment.”