Emotive language is a type of language that is used to evoke an emotional response from the reader or listener. It is often used to influence an audience by using words and phrases with strong connotations, and it can be made vague to more effectively invoke an emotional response and/or exploit stereotypes. Emotive language is also known as loaded language, loaded terms, strong emotive language, high-inference language, and language-persuasive techniques.
Emotive language involves the use of loaded words and phrases that have significant emotional implications and involve strongly positive or negative reactions beyond their literal meaning. Words such as "torture" or "freedom" carry with them something more than a simple description of a concept or an action. They have a "magnetic" effect, an imperative force, a tendency to influence the reader or listener.
Examples of emotive language in everyday life include:
- "Put that in the recycle bin" (not emotive)
- "You should recycle because it saves the planet" (emotive)
The second sentence suggests an action that elicits an emotional response, making it an example of emotive language.
Emotive language can be used in literature, advertisements, plays, and novels to make the reader feel strong emotions and maybe even persuade them to do something. When used effectively, emotive language can help connect with the audience on a deeper level and persuade them to take action.
