Emotive

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪˈməʊtɪv/

Definitions

• Evoking strong feelings or emotions.
• Relating to or characterized by emotions.
• Having a strong emotional impact or appeal.

Usage Examples

• Her speech was so emotive that it moved the entire audience to tears.
• The film had an emotive soundtrack that added to the emotional depth of the story.

Etymology

The word 'emotive' comes from the Latin 'emotio,' meaning 'a moving, stirring up,' derived from 'emovere' (to move, to stir up). The adjective form was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe something that stirred or provoked emotions.

Synonyms

• Emotional
• Moving
• Stirring
• Expressive
• Touching

Antonyms

• Unemotional
• Indifferent
• Unfeeling
• Cold
• Detached

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of 'emotive' may vary slightly between British and American English, with the British pronunciation tending to emphasize the first syllable more strongly, while American English places a more balanced stress on both syllables.

Historical Usage

First recorded in the mid-19th century, the word 'emotive' emerged during discussions around psychology and the emotional response of individuals to stimuli. It has since expanded into common language, often used to describe anything capable of arousing deep or strong feelings.

Cultural Nuances

The word 'emotive' often carries a different weight depending on cultural context. In Western societies, it is often associated with sincerity and the expression of genuine feelings, while in some Eastern cultures, being overly emotive may be seen as inappropriate or excessively expressive. In the arts, particularly in music and film, 'emotive' is a key term used to describe works that aim to stir strong emotional reactions in their audience.

More Information

'Emotive' is an adjective used to describe something that evokes or is capable of evoking strong emotions. It is often used in reference to art, music, speech, or any form of communication that is intended to stir emotional reactions. In modern contexts, the word can also be used to describe individuals who exhibit or express intense emotional responses. Its significance lies in its ability to move or affect people deeply, whether through sadness, joy, anger, or other emotions.