Which of the following emotions is NOT traditionally classified as one of the basic emotions?

• A. Fear
• B. Sadness
• C. Gloomy
• D. Anger

Answer: (C)

The correct answer, which identifies an emotion that is not traditionally classified as one of the basic emotions, is Gloomy. Basic emotions, as outlined by theorists such as Paul Ekman, typically include fear, sadness, joy, anger, surprise, and disgust. These emotions are fundamental and universally recognized among humans across various cultures.

Gloomy, on the other hand, is more of a mood descriptor rather than a fundamental emotional state. It encompasses a general feeling of sadness or depression but does not precisely fit into the category of basic emotions. Instead, it reflects a broader and more sustained emotional state which can arise from the experience of one or several of the basic emotions, rather than being a distinct emotion in itself.

In contrast, fear, sadness, and anger are all fundamental emotional responses to stimuli that are recognized both psychologically and physiologically, making them integral to human experience and have distinct facial expressions associated with them.