What term refers to feelings that are expressed outwardly?

The term that refers to feelings expressed outwardly is affect. In psychological and emotional contexts, affect encompasses the observable expression of feelings, which can include facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Affect can indicate how someone is feeling at a given moment, making it an important aspect in understanding emotional communication.

Emotion, while closely related, often refers more to the internal experience of feelings rather than the outward expression. Mood typically describes a sustained emotional state that may not be visibly expressed, while sentiment refers more to an attitude or opinion, rather than an immediate emotional expression. Therefore, affect accurately captures the outward manifestation of feelings, distinguishing it from the broader concepts represented by the other terms.