emotive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'emotive' is correct and can be used in formal and informal written English.
It is an adjective which means creating strong emotions. Example sentence: The film features an emotive script which moves the audience to tears.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The leading court at the UN will rule on Monday on whether Japan has the right to hunt whales in the Antarctic, an emotive case that activists say is make-or-break for the mammals' future.

The Guardian

It was a little self-indulgent, emotive, that's how they do things and it has had a huge impact.

The Guardian

But the case for new drugs, whatever the cost, is often so emotive that it will be a hard argument to win.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mercy is such an emotive song, and links to Celaena's character through the lyrics (lead me in chains, fill me with rage) and the conquering beat of the song sounds almost like a battle mantra.

The Guardian

Climate campaigners will point to a mismatch between the words and his ongoing support for fracked gas, but taking such an emotive position on the issue hands a very large metaphorical stick to campaigners with which they can beat their President if and when his actions fail to match the words.

The Guardian

Susanne Sundfør: Ten Love Songs A collection of beautifully crafted songs, in that trusted tradition of emotive and euphoric Scandinavian pop.

The Guardian - Music

QRC says people should focus on activities "that actually impact on the reef rather than populist or emotive reaction".

The Guardian

In an emotive appearance at the business select committee, Soriot said: "What will we tell the person whose father died from lung cancer because one of our medicines was delayed – and essentially was delayed because in the meantime our two companies were involved in saving tax and saving costs?

The Guardian - Business

One cannot say the same about Hamas's provocations and its emotive TV footage, which are working quite nicely on world opinion.

The Guardian

You might even argue that there's a benefit to looking on a subject, particularly one as emotive and personal as the arts, with fresh eyes.

The Guardian

While in its infancy at the moment, iOS application Passbook (which allows you to store vouchers, boarding passes, event tickets) could allow both greater utility in terms of flight information, boarding passes and so on, as well as a more emotive option for exclusive offers, upgrades and content.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "emotive" to describe situations, language, or art that intentionally evokes strong feelings. It's particularly effective when the emotional response is a key aspect of the subject.

Common error

While similar, "emotive" often implies a deliberate attempt to create an emotional response, while "emotional" is a broader term for anything related to emotions. Choose "emotional" when simply describing a state or quality.

Linguistic Context

The word "emotive" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that evokes or expresses emotion. According to Ludwig, this usage is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emotive" is a grammatically sound adjective used to describe something that evokes or expresses emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When using "emotive", ensure it accurately reflects the intention to create an emotional response, differentiating it from the broader term "emotional". Alternatives like "affecting" or "poignant" can add nuance to your writing. Remember to focus on evoking specific feelings and avoid overuse in contexts where a simpler, descriptive term suffices. The data suggests the adjective is common and has high source quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional

A general term indicating connection to or expression of emotions, closely related but slightly broader.

affecting

Implies having an impact on emotions, often moving or touching.

moving

Suggests causing a strong emotional response, often of sadness or sympathy.

poignant

Describes something that evokes sadness or regret, often in a bittersweet way.

stirring

Indicates arousing strong emotions, often of excitement or enthusiasm.

heartfelt

Emphasizes the genuineness and depth of feeling expressed.

expressive

Focuses on the outward manifestation of emotions.

passionate

Highlights the intensity and fervor of the emotions involved.

sensitive

Indicates a heightened awareness and responsiveness to emotions.

touching

Similar to affecting, but emphasizes a gentle or tender emotional impact.

FAQs

How can I use "emotive" in a sentence?

Use "emotive" to describe something that evokes or expresses emotion. For example, "The film features an "emotive" scene that brought tears to my eyes."

What are some alternatives to "emotive"?

You can use alternatives like "emotional", "affecting", or "moving" depending on the specific context.

Is "emotive" the same as "emotional"?

While related, "emotive" often implies a deliberate attempt to create an emotional response, whereas "emotional" is a more general term. Consider the nuance you want to convey.

What kind of writing benefits most from using "emotive" language?

"Emotive" language is particularly effective in persuasive writing, creative writing, and journalism where the goal is to connect with the reader on an emotional level.