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

There are an array of both fan favorite and niche characters, solid-looking action, and enough emotive force to drive an interesting story. —Callum Booth, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

He’s now known mostly for his beautifully emotive site-scapes, which aptly and eloquently depict New York through its many seasons and stages. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 8 May 2025

The surprise for many has been that After Typhoon is not an action flick, but more an emotive art-house drama. —Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025

This seamless fusion of emotive storytelling and operational impact is what gives the show its lasting resonance. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for emotive

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