The emotional world of each of us is incredibly multifaceted, and sometimes it is enough to highlight three key states to describe it.

Three Dimensions of Emotion

The emotional world of each of us is incredibly multifaceted, and sometimes it is enough to highlight three key states to describe it. The first is a prolonged inner feeling that emerges as a result of our experience and helps us make sense of our relationship with the surrounding world. Next comes the emotional surge, an instantaneous yet powerful manifestation of feelings that can seize us with unexpected force and prompt swift decisions. And finally, a deeply penetrating state in which emotions become all-encompassing, filling life with meaning and giving it a unique hue. These concepts allow us to view our experiences from different perspectives and better understand how our thoughts and aspirations are embodied within them, adding a distinct emotional richness to each day.

What three words could best reflect a person’s current emotional state?

One possible answer might be to choose three words, each of which reflects certain facets of the emotional experience: “feeling,” “affect,” and “passion.” These terms denote different levels and characteristics of experience: a prolonged and stable inner feeling (feeling), an abrupt and intense emotional outburst (affect), and a deep, all-encompassing state (passion).

Supporting citation(s):
"Feeling — a prolonged, stable experience of one’s own attitude towards oneself and others, their character, behavior, actions, and, in general, towards all phenomena of life. Affect — an intense, tumultuous emotional experience such as anger or horror. Passion — a strong, deep feeling that captivates a person for a long time." (source: link txt)