Emotive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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emotive

[ɪˈməʊtɪv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing expression or reaction

Relating to or characterized by emotion; emotional.

Synonyms

emotional, expressive, passionate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
emotive

This term is very similar to 'emotional' but more often pertains to content that is purposefully designed to provoke emotional responses, like in media, advertising, or storytelling.

  • The advert was very emotive, aiming to make the audience feel compassion and urgency
  • The charity's emotive campaign highlighted the dire conditions of the affected region
emotional

This word is used to describe something related to or full of emotions. It is broad and can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person's state or a situation that causes feelings.

  • She gave an emotional farewell speech at her retirement party
  • The movie was so emotional that it left the audience in tears
expressive

This term is used to describe something or someone that effectively conveys thoughts or feelings. It can be used for people, gestures, art, and performances.

  • Her dance performance was incredibly expressive, portraying a wide range of emotions
  • He has a very expressive face that shows every nuance of his emotions
passionate

This word is used to describe intense enthusiasm or strong emotions, often in a positive sense. It is commonly used to describe people who show a lot of enthusiasm for a particular activity or idea.

  • She is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation
  • He spoke with passionate conviction about the importance of education

Examples of usage

  • She gave an emotive speech that moved the audience to tears.
  • His emotive response showed how deeply he cared about the issue.
  • The emotive music captured the mood of the scene perfectly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Emotive language can influence decision-making and persuasion by creating an emotional response.
  • Research shows that emotive content in messaging can lead to greater memory retention and recall.

Literature

  • Authors often use emotive language to evoke feelings in readers, creating a powerful connection to their characters.
  • Poetry frequently employs emotive words, turning ordinary experiences into profound emotional truths.

Pop Culture

  • Songs that feature emotive lyrics become popular because they resonate with our personal experiences and feelings.
  • Movies that rely heavily on emotive storytelling often win awards for their ability to connect with audiences deeply.

Communication

  • In speeches, leaders utilize emotive language to inspire action and unite communities with shared feelings.
  • Advertising often taps into emotive responses to create brand loyalty and drive sales.

Origin of 'emotive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word derives from the late 19th century, linked to 'emotion' with the suffix '-ive' indicating something that has the quality of.
  • Originating from the Latin 'emovere,' meaning 'to move out,' it reflects how emotions move us deeply.

The word 'emotive' originates from the Latin word 'emotivus', which means 'causing motion'. The term was first used in the mid-19th century to describe something that evokes emotion or expresses feelings. Over time, 'emotive' has become a common adjective to describe things that are emotionally charged or provoke strong feelings in others.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,594, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.