WordGarden.ioemote
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmˈəʊt/
US
Meanings
Verb
to express emotion openly or dramatically
to use an avatar emote in a game or online space
Noun
a preset avatar gesture or reaction in a game or online space
Beyond the definition
To emote means to show feelings in a clear, noticeable way, often in a dramatic or theatrical style. You will often see it used for actors, performers, or people who seem to be showing a lot of emotion in public. The word is also common online and in games, where a person or character can use a set action or expression to show mood. Someone might emote sadness on stage, or use an in-game emote to show excitement after a win.
The verb "emote" comes from the world of theatre and acting. It means to show emotion openly, especially in performance. It is often used when someone is expressing feelings in a strong, obvious, or even exaggerated way. An actor who emotes does not just say the lines; they make the audience feel the character's joy, grief, fear, or anger.
Later, "emote" took on a new life online. In text chat, social platforms, and multiplayer games, people needed quick ways to show feeling without tone of voice or facial expression. In that setting, the related noun "emote" became common. It usually means a built-in gesture, animation, or expression that a character or user can trigger. People also use emojis and emoticons such as :-) and :-( to show emotion in digital spaces.
Today, the word is used in a few related ways. You might say someone is "over-emoting" if they are being too dramatic. You might describe a live streamer as emoting clearly so viewers can follow the mood. In video games, "emotes" are specific actions or animations that show greeting, celebration, sadness, dancing, or taunting.
So whether it happens on a stage or in a virtual world, to emote is to show feeling outwardly. The word usually suggests visible expression, and often a stronger or more dramatic display than simply feeling something inside.
Examples
- 1
Stage acting
On stage, she knew when to emote and when to stay still.
- 2
Overacting
The reviewer said the lead actor was emoting too much in every scene.
- Usage
emote often suggests showing emotion too strongly or theatrically
- 3
Reserved personality
He doesn't emote much, so his friends could not tell he was nervous.
- 4
Game gesture
In the game, players can emote with a wave, a laugh, or a dance.
- Domain
in games, emote can mean make your character do a gesture or short performance
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- emoteverb
Forms
- emotesverb
- emoting-ing formverb
- emotedpast tenseverb