emotive
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmˈəʊtɪv/
US
- /ˈiˌmoʊtɪv/
- /ɪˈmoʊtɪv/
Description
- feeling-based
- stirring strong feelings
- emotionally expressive
- moving
- heart-touching
Something emotive is not just about facts. It makes you feel something strongly. Think of a photograph that makes you feel sad or happy right away, or a song that gives you chills. The word describes things that bring out strong feelings, such as art, music, writing, or even the tone of someone's voice. A powerful speech can be very emotive because it tries to connect with people through feeling, not just information. While a plain news report gives the facts, a more emotive documentary shows the human side of a story and makes the situation feel more real.
The word emotive describes something that evokes strong feelings or emotions. It goes beyond simply conveying information; it aims to stir up emotional responses in the audience or observer. While communication can be informative without being emotive, truly impactful storytelling often relies on an emotive quality to leave a lasting impression.
You'll encounter "emotive" most frequently when discussing art forms like music, literature, and film. A particularly emotive piece of music might bring tears to your eyes, while a novel filled with emotive language can draw you deeply into the characters' inner lives. However, the term is not limited to artistic expression. Political speeches are often deliberately emotive, designed to rally support by appealing to the audience's core values, hopes, or fears. News coverage can also be described as emotive if it focuses heavily on personal tragedy and emotional impact rather than objective data.
It is important to note that "emotive" does not necessarily imply a positive emotion. Something can be deeply emotive because it is heartbreaking, frightening, or anger-inducing. The word simply means that the subject has the power to move past a purely logical response and touch the feelings directly. So if something makes you feel deeply, there is a good chance it is emotive: a strong force in both communication and human experience.
Examples
- 1
Film scene
The film's final scene is highly emotive.
- 2
Persuasive language
The article uses emotive language instead of clear evidence.
Phrase
emotive language
words chosen to create strong feelings
- 3
Sensitive topic
It's an emotive topic, so discussions about it can get tense.
- 4
Legal language
The judge told the lawyers to avoid emotive terms and stick to the facts.
- 5
Practical argument
She tried to make her argument less emotive and more practical.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- emotiveadjective