emotive

adjective

emo·tive | \ i-ˈmō-tiv

How to pronounce emotive (audio)

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Definition of emotive

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

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Examples of emotive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web With lively and emotive illustrations by Derek Lavoie, who studied illustration at Mass College of Art in Boston, the book underlines the importance of practice without being preachy or dogmatic about it. — BostonGlobe.com, "A massive poetry month event, a new book about the lives and loves of the transcendentalists in Concord, and a child’s guide to becoming a rock star," 8 Apr. 2021 Evans’ age cohort is too young to have personal recollections of Harry’s mother, the free-spirited and emotive Princess Diana. — Christina Boyle, Los Angeles Times, "Mind the (generation) gap: Young Britons ponder point of having a monarchy," 19 Mar. 2021 Lunney, the urbane, always calm engineer, and the more emotive Kranz, who inspired legions of flight controllers with his patriotic fervor, were opposites in demeanor but equally capable leaders. — William Harwood, CBS News, "Glynn Lunney, NASA flight director who played key role in Apollo 13, has died at age 84," 19 Mar. 2021 The pairing of Erin Burt and Brian Heil is both passionate and emotive. — David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Arts & Culture Newsletter: Ziggy Marley at the Belly Up: ‘Music will be in the house, even if people aren’t’," 11 Mar. 2021 The emotive, entertaining 27-year-old has a Palmer-like connection with fans, announcers and media members. — Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "Jordan Spieth’s Arnold Palmer Invitational debut a thank you to The King’s contributions to golf," 3 Mar. 2021 It’s the kind of emotive storytelling country music was built on. — Samantha Hissong, Rolling Stone, "Song You Need to Know: Breland, ‘Cross Country’," 1 Mar. 2021 Content should be visual, interactive, emotive and outcome-based. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, "15 Ways To Develop A Customer-Centric Content Strategy," 25 Feb. 2021 In an ensuing propaganda campaign, Chinese state media outlets rushed to eulogize the five PLA soldiers for their loyalty, valor and sacrifice, publishing lengthy, emotive reports on their life stories. — Nectar Gan, CNN, "China detains six people for 'insulting' soldiers killed in India border clash," 23 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'emotive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

15 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Emotive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emotive. Accessed 21 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for emotive

emotive

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of emotive

: of or relating to emotions

British : causing strong emotions for or against something

See the full definition for emotive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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