emotive

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

Examples of emotive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The women’s voices rose, gentle and emotive in unison, before splitting into two concordant melodies. — Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026

The record flopped — but their next, Sounds of Silence, fared better, thanks to their sumptuous harmonies and Garfunkel’s hauntingly emotive voice. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for emotive

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