C2 adjective Formal

affective

/əˈfɛktɪv/

Relating to moods, feelings, and attitudes rather than thoughts or actions. It is a specialized term used primarily in psychology and linguistics to describe the emotional aspect of human experience and behavior.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The film's affective power left the entire audience in tears long after the credits rolled.

The emotional power of the movie made everyone cry even after it ended.

2

The court evaluated the defendant's affective state to determine if there was a lack of emotional control.

The court looked at the person's emotional condition to see if they could control their feelings.

3

I've always felt that music has a stronger affective pull on me than any other form of art.

I feel music has a bigger emotional attraction for me than other arts.

Word Family

Noun
affect
Verb
affect
Adverb
affectively
Adjective
affective
Related
affectivity
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'A' in Affective for 'Attitude' and 'Aches' (feelings), whereas 'E' in Effective is for 'Execution' and 'End-result'.

Quick Quiz

Many people suffer from Seasonal ________ Disorder (SAD) during the dark winter months.

Correct!

The correct answer is: Affective

Examples

1

The film's affective power left the entire audience in tears long after the credits rolled.

everyday

The emotional power of the movie made everyone cry even after it ended.

2

The court evaluated the defendant's affective state to determine if there was a lack of emotional control.

formal

The court looked at the person's emotional condition to see if they could control their feelings.

3

I've always felt that music has a stronger affective pull on me than any other form of art.

informal

I feel music has a bigger emotional attraction for me than other arts.

4

In Bloom's Taxonomy, the affective domain encompasses the way we deal with things emotionally, such as feelings and motivations.

academic

In educational theory, the emotional category includes how we handle feelings and drive.

5

Brands aim to create an affective connection with customers to ensure long-term brand loyalty.

business

Companies try to build an emotional bond with shoppers to keep them coming back.

Word Family

Noun
affect
Verb
affect
Adverb
affectively
Adjective
affective
Related
affectivity

Common Collocations

affective disorder a mental health condition primarily affecting mood
affective empathy the ability to respond with an appropriate emotion to another's mental state
affective domain the category of learning objectives that involves attitudes and feelings
affective response an emotional reaction to a stimulus
affective labor work that is intended to produce or modify emotional states in others

Common Phrases

Seasonal Affective Disorder

depression that occurs at the same time every year, usually in winter

affective filter

a theoretical construct in second language acquisition representing emotional variables that can hinder learning

affective forecasting

the prediction of one's future emotional state

Often Confused With

affective vs effective

Effective means producing a desired result, while affective refers to emotions and moods.

affective vs affectionate

Affectionate means showing love or fondness, whereas affective is a broader academic term for anything related to feelings.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'affective' primarily in academic, scientific, or psychological contexts when discussing the mechanism of emotions. Avoid using it in casual conversation where 'emotional' would be more natural.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently misspell 'affective' as 'effective' because they sound similar. They also mistakenly use 'affective' to describe a person who is 'affectionate' (warm and loving).

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'A' in Affective for 'Attitude' and 'Aches' (feelings), whereas 'E' in Effective is for 'Execution' and 'End-result'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'affectivus', from 'affectus' meaning a state of mind, mood, or disposition.

Grammar Patterns

Usually used as an attributive adjective (placed before the noun). Rarely used in comparative or superlative forms (e.g., more affective) because it is often treated as a binary classification in science.
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Cultural Context

The term is central to Western psychological discourse and educational theories like Bloom’s Taxonomy which distinguishes between cognitive and affective learning.

Quick Quiz

Many people suffer from Seasonal ________ Disorder (SAD) during the dark winter months.

Correct!

The correct answer is: Affective

Related Words

proceed

C1

The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.

individual

C1

Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.

appropriately

B2

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

region

B2

A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.

resource

B2

A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.

hypothesis

B1

A hypothesis is a tentative statement or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence. it serves as a starting point for further investigation and must be testable through scientific methods.

ozone

B2

Ozone is a colorless gas found in the upper atmosphere that protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. It is also produced at ground level as a pollutant when sunlight reacts with industrial emissions.

layer

B2

A layer is a single thickness, sheet, or level of a material that covers a surface or is placed between other things. It can refer to physical substances like paint and geological strata, or abstract levels of complexity and meaning.

around

C2

As an adverb at a C2 level, it denotes presence, availability, or existence within a specific vicinity or context. It is also used to indicate approximate values or to describe movement or positioning that encircles a point or lacks a specific direction.

climate

B2

Climate refers to the long-term patterns of weather conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, in a particular region over many years. It can also describe the prevailing mood, conditions, or social atmosphere of a specific time or place.

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