emotive

1 of 2

adjective

emo·​tive i-ˈmō-tiv 

1

: of or relating to the emotions

2

: appealing to or expressing emotion

the emotive use of language

3

chiefly British : causing strong emotions often in support of or against something

… the latest proposal aimed at breaking a long-running deadlock over the emotive issue of whaling …

—Tom Pfeiffer

emotively adverb

emotivity

i-ˌmō-ˈti-və-tē 

ˌē-ˌmō-

noun

emotivity

2 of 2

noun

emo·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌē(ˌ)mōˈtivətē 

ə̇ˌmō, 

ēˌmō-, 

-ətē, 

-i

plural -es

: the quality or state of being emotive

a musical rendition marked by great emotivity

Examples of emotive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Charles Bradley version and the Yungblud version at the Back To The Beginning [concert] really brought it home to me how timeless that song is, and so emotive. —Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 June 2026

Lifeson somehow summed up the song’s entire message in his simple, emotive solo. —Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026

The orchestral contributions from Clare Fischer transformed Black music into something deeply emotive. —Ahmir “questlove” Thompson, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026

The previously stoic pope is drawing huge crowds and seems to be making a star turn, enthralling the faithful with emotive assurance. —Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, 7 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for emotive

• promotive
• automotive
• locomotive
• electromotive
• motive
• votive