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

The narrative laments and emotive snapshots of Lost Weekend stick with you more than any sonic flourish or new production technique that moves her forward as an artist. — Lina Lecaro, SPIN, 18 Aug. 2026

Langley’s voice, which is emotive but steady, seems unusually well suited to this sort of doleful yearning. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

At the song’s core is Ferrell’s voice; powerful, emotive, hopping effortlessly to unexpected notes and corners. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

How do Kenzie’s mom and dad feel about her emotive splits-ing, for instance? — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for emotive

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