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

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

Food people are normally a raucous, emotive bunch, but there was a tightness in the air as folks arrived and took their seats. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026

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