emotive

adjective

emo·​tive i-ˈmō-tiv How to pronounce emotive (audio)
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 noun

Examples of emotive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But for whatever reason, emotive defendants do not play well with juries. Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 5 June 2025 The internet is debating whether the emotive interaction was merely an intimate exchange between peer artists or an indication that Bieber is not doing as well as his fans would hope. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 27 May 2025 The name of the body of water has become an emotive issue for Iranians who embrace their country’s long history as the Persian Empire. Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025 The restrictive environment presented formidable challenges, which included writing songs for a somewhat reticent character such as Leo Frank, who is not particularly emotive. David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for emotive

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of emotive was in 1830

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Cite this Entry

“Emotive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emotive. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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