Crossword Genius

Controversial eastern cause (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

emotive

'controversial' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'eastern cause' is the wordplay.
'eastern' becomes 'e'.
'cause' becomes 'motive'.
'e'+'motive'='EMOTIVE'

(Other definitions for emotive that I've seen before include "Argumentative" , "Sensitive - controversial" , "Arousing intense feeling" , "able to get going" , "Arousing deep feeling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app