Sensational vs Sensationalistic: Meaning And Differences

Are you confused about whether to use the word ‘sensational’ or ‘sensationalistic’? Do you know the difference between the two? Read on to find out.

Both words are proper English words and are used in different contexts. However, ‘sensational’ is the proper word to use in most cases.

‘Sensational’ means causing great interest or excitement, or relating to sensation or the senses. For example, a sensational news story would be one that is particularly interesting or exciting, while a sensational performance would be one that is thrilling or awe-inspiring.

‘Sensationalistic’, on the other hand, has a negative connotation and is often used to describe something that is exaggerated or designed to provoke a strong reaction. It refers to the use of sensationalism, which is the practice of using exaggerated or shocking stories or headlines to attract attention or increase readership. For example, a sensationalistic news story would be one that is designed to shock or provoke outrage, rather than inform or educate.

Now that we have established the difference between the two words, let’s explore why it is important to understand this distinction.

Define Sensational

Sensational is an adjective used to describe something that is exciting, thrilling, or captivating. It refers to anything that is able to arouse strong emotions or interest in people. Sensational content is often characterized by its ability to grab the attention of the audience and keep them engaged.

For example, a sensational news story may be one that involves a high-profile celebrity scandal, a dramatic crime, or a natural disaster. Sensational content can be found in various forms of media, including newspapers, magazines, television shows, and online articles.

Define Sensationalistic

Sensationalistic is an adjective used to describe something that is sensational in a negative or manipulative way. It refers to content that is designed to shock or provoke a reaction from the audience, often at the expense of accuracy or truthfulness.

For example, a sensationalistic news story may be one that exaggerates or fabricates details to create a more sensational headline. Sensationalistic content can be found in various forms of media, including tabloid newspapers, gossip magazines, and clickbait articles online.

Comparison between sensational and sensationalistic

	Sensational	Sensationalistic
Definition	Exciting, thrilling, or captivating	Sensational in a negative or manipulative way
Emphasis	On engaging the audience	On provoking a reaction from the audience
Accuracy	May or may not be accurate	May sacrifice accuracy for sensationalism
Examples	A high-profile celebrity scandal, a dramatic crime, or a natural disaster	Exaggerated or fabricated details in a news story, clickbait headlines

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make a big difference in how your message is interpreted. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words ‘sensational’ and ‘sensationalistic’ in a sentence.

How To Use ‘Sensational’ In A Sentence

The word ‘sensational’ is used to describe something that is exciting, impressive, or exceptional. It can be used in a positive or neutral context, and is often used to emphasize the quality or impact of something.

Here are a few examples:

• The new restaurant in town has a sensational menu.
• The athlete’s performance was sensational and earned him a gold medal.
• The artist’s new painting is sensational and has received rave reviews.

As you can see, ‘sensational’ is used to describe something that is impressive or exceptional in a positive way. It is important to use this word appropriately and not overuse it, as it can lose its impact if used too often.

How To Use ‘Sensationalistic’ In A Sentence

The word ‘sensationalistic’ is used to describe something that is intended to provoke a strong emotional response, often through exaggeration or distortion of the facts. It is typically used in a negative context, and can be seen as manipulative or exploitative.

Here are a few examples:

• The newspaper’s sensationalistic headline was misleading and caused unnecessary panic.
• The TV show’s coverage of the crime was sensationalistic and focused more on shock value than the facts.
• The politician’s speech was filled with sensationalistic claims and lacked any real substance.

As you can see, ‘sensationalistic’ is used to describe something that is intended to manipulate or exploit the emotions of the audience. It is important to use this word carefully and accurately, as it can be seen as a negative criticism of someone or something.

More Examples Of Sensational & Sensationalistic Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between sensational and sensationalistic, it can be helpful to see how they are used in sentences. Below are examples of both words used in various contexts.

Examples Of Using Sensational In A Sentence:

• The sensational performance by the lead actor earned him an Oscar nomination.
• The news report was sensational, but lacked any real substance.
• The fashion show was a sensational success, with rave reviews from critics.
• The new restaurant’s menu was sensational, with unique and flavorful dishes.
• The athlete’s record-breaking performance was truly sensational.
• The artist’s latest exhibit was a sensational display of creativity and innovation.
• The book’s plot was sensational, with unexpected twists and turns.
• The musician’s concert was a sensational experience, with a mix of classic and new songs.
• The dance performance was sensational, with intricate choreography and stunning visuals.
• The movie’s special effects were sensational, creating a truly immersive experience.

Examples Of Using Sensationalistic In A Sentence:

• The tabloid’s sensationalistic headlines are often misleading and exaggerated.
• The politician’s speech was filled with sensationalistic claims and fear-mongering tactics.
• The news program’s coverage of the crime was sensationalistic and lacked objectivity.
• The author’s use of sensationalistic language detracted from the overall quality of the book.
• The website’s sensationalistic content was designed to generate clicks and views, rather than provide accurate information.
• The talk show’s sensationalistic approach to interviewing guests was criticized for being exploitative.
• The journalist’s sensationalistic reporting on the scandal was called into question for its accuracy.
• The ad campaign’s use of sensationalistic imagery was seen as insensitive and inappropriate.
• The documentary’s sensationalistic portrayal of the subject was criticized for being one-sided and biased.
• The magazine’s sensationalistic cover story sparked controversy and backlash from readers.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to writing, word choice is critical. One common mistake that people make is using the terms sensational and sensationalistic interchangeably. However, there is a significant difference between the two, and using them incorrectly can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Highlighting Common Mistakes

The first mistake that people make is assuming that sensational and sensationalistic are synonyms. Sensational refers to something that is exciting, impressive, or attention-grabbing, while sensationalistic refers to something that is deliberately exaggerated or intended to provoke a strong emotional response.

Another common mistake is using sensationalistic language to describe something that is not actually sensationalistic. For example, describing a politician’s speech as “outrageous” or “scandalous” when it is actually quite ordinary is sensationalistic and can be misleading to readers.

Tips To Avoid Mistakes

One way to avoid these mistakes is to carefully consider the context in which you are using the words. If you are describing something that is genuinely exciting or attention-grabbing, use the word sensational. If you are describing something that is exaggerated or intended to provoke a strong emotional response, use the word sensationalistic.

Another tip is to avoid using overly emotional or exaggerated language when it is not warranted. Stick to the facts and use clear, concise language to describe events or situations. This will help to ensure that your writing is credible and informative, rather than sensationalistic and misleading.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words sensational and sensationalistic, context plays a crucial role. While both words are related to creating a strong emotional response in the reader or listener, the connotations associated with each word can vary depending on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between sensational and sensationalistic might change:

Journalism

In the field of journalism, sensational headlines are often used to grab readers’ attention and increase readership. However, when the content of the article does not match the headline, it can be seen as sensationalistic and misleading. In this context, it is important to use sensational language only when it accurately reflects the content of the article.

Marketing

In marketing, sensational language is often used to create a sense of urgency or excitement around a product or service. However, when the language used is over-the-top or exaggerated, it can be seen as sensationalistic and turn potential customers away. In this context, it is important to use sensational language in moderation and only when it accurately reflects the benefits of the product or service.

Entertainment

In the world of entertainment, sensational language is often used to create buzz around a new movie, TV show, or celebrity scandal. In this context, the use of sensational language is generally accepted and even expected. However, when the language used is overly graphic or offensive, it can be seen as sensationalistic and turn viewers away.

Politics

In politics, sensational language is often used to sway public opinion and create a sense of urgency around a particular issue or candidate. However, when the language used is overly divisive or misleading, it can be seen as sensationalistic and damage the credibility of the speaker or party. In this context, it is important to use sensational language only when it accurately reflects the facts and does not mislead the public.

Overall, the choice between sensational and sensationalistic depends on the context in which they are used. While both words can be used to create a strong emotional response, it is important to use them in a way that accurately reflects the content and does not mislead or offend the reader or listener.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of sensational and sensationalistic is generally guided by certain rules, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Contextual Differences

The context in which the words are used can have a significant impact on their appropriateness. For instance, in a news article that reports a natural disaster or a tragic event, the use of sensational language might be necessary to convey the gravity of the situation. In such cases, the use of sensational language can be justified as it helps to capture the reader’s attention and evoke an emotional response. However, in other contexts, such as academic writing or technical reports, the use of sensational language might be seen as inappropriate and unprofessional.

2. Cultural Differences

The usage of sensational and sensationalistic can also vary across different cultures. What might be considered sensational in one culture might not be perceived as such in another. For instance, in some cultures, the use of hyperbolic language or exaggerated claims might be seen as a sign of enthusiasm or passion, while in others, it might be seen as sensationalistic and untrustworthy. Therefore, when writing for a global audience, it is important to be aware of these cultural differences and adjust your language accordingly.

3. Intentions Of The Writer

The intentions of the writer can also play a role in determining whether the usage of sensational or sensationalistic language is appropriate. For instance, if the writer’s intention is to inform and educate the reader, the use of sensational language might not be necessary. However, if the writer’s intention is to entertain or persuade the reader, the use of sensational language might be more effective. Therefore, it is important for writers to be clear about their intentions and choose their language accordingly.

4. Audience Expectations

The expectations of the audience can also influence the writer’s choice of language. For instance, if the audience expects to be entertained or amused, the use of sensational language might be appropriate. However, if the audience expects to be informed or educated, the use of sensational language might not be well-received. Therefore, it is important for writers to understand their audience and choose their language accordingly.

5. Historical Context

The historical context in which the words are used can also impact their appropriateness. For instance, in the past, the use of sensational language might have been more acceptable or even expected in certain contexts. However, as societal norms and values change, the usage of sensational language might be seen as outdated or inappropriate. Therefore, it is important for writers to be aware of the historical context in which they are writing and adjust their language accordingly.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the difference between sensational and sensationalistic, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test with some practice exercises. These exercises will help you improve your understanding and use of these two terms in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (sensational or sensationalistic) to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

1. The news story was __________, but it lacked any real substance.
2. The journalist’s reporting was __________ and exaggerated.
3. The newspaper’s headline was __________, but the article itself was balanced.
4. The movie’s marketing campaign was __________, but the film itself was a disappointment.

Answer Key:

1. sensationalistic
2. sensationalistic
3. sensational
4. sensationalistic

Exercise 2: Identify The Tone

Read the following sentences and identify whether the tone is sensational or sensationalistic:

1. The politician’s speech was filled with emotional appeals and exaggerated claims.
2. The new restaurant in town has been getting rave reviews for its innovative menu.
3. The celebrity scandal dominated the headlines for weeks.
4. The company’s new product promises to revolutionize the industry.

Answer Key:

1. sensationalistic
2. sensational
3. sensational
4. sensational

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding of the difference between sensational and sensationalistic and how to use them effectively in your writing.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between sensational and sensationalistic language, it is clear that sensational language can be used effectively in writing to capture the reader’s attention and evoke emotion. However, it is important to use this type of language in a responsible and ethical manner.

By avoiding sensationalistic language, which often relies on exaggeration and manipulation, writers can maintain their credibility and ensure that their message is received in a clear and accurate manner.

Key Takeaways

• Sensational language can be effective in writing, but it should be used responsibly and ethically.
• Sensationalistic language often relies on exaggeration and manipulation, and should be avoided.
• Using proper grammar and language can enhance the effectiveness of writing.
• Continuing to learn about grammar and language use can improve writing skills and overall communication abilities.

As writers, it is our responsibility to use language in a way that is both effective and ethical. By utilizing sensational language in a responsible manner and avoiding sensationalistic language, we can capture our readers’ attention while maintaining our credibility and ensuring that our message is received in a clear and accurate manner. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can improve our writing skills and become more effective communicators.