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

In high praise from the singer known for his signature raspy, emotive voice, Springsteen said White was nailing it. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 18 June 2025

The novel’s ending is the sort of style-melding genre-bending writing Oates is known for, where the plot is wrapped up in a burst of emotive, rhythmic, fantastical, almost abstract yet deeply human prose. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025

The film is deeply atmospheric, combining handmade aesthetics with an emotive, electronic score to craft a meditative journey about separation and connection. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 9 June 2025

But for whatever reason, emotive defendants do not play well with juries. —Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 5 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for emotive

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