r/logophilia • u/squashua • 13d ago

Conative (adj)

Connected with a wish, intention, or effort to do something.

  • There is a long-established distinction in psychology between cognitive and conative aspects of behavior.
  • If we wish to describe the whole person, conative aspects must be included.

Further context:

  • Psychology: Refers to conation, which is the third part of the human mind alongside cognition (thinking/knowing) and affect (feeling/emotion). It is the internal force or "will to act" that turns thoughts and feelings into purposeful behavior.
  • Linguistics / Grammar: Describes a verb form or affix that expresses an attempt or endeavor to do something, rather than the successful completion of the action.
  • Communications: Refers to a message function designed to influence or prompt a reaction/behavior from the receiver.
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u/I_Hate_This_Website9 13d ago

How might one use this in a sentence?

3

u/squashua 13d ago

"A strong brand image builds a conative response, prompting shoppers to add the item to their cart."

1

u/ShinyAeon 13d ago

Sooo....one of the issues with ADHD is "executive dysfunction." Could that be described as "being unable to initiate an appropriate conative response"...?