provocative — causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, especially deliberately
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, especially deliberately
Pronunciation (IPA): /prəˈvɑkətɪv/
Example Sentences
- The comedian's provocative jokes made half the audience laugh and the other half storm out.
- His provocative social media posts always generate hundreds of angry comments.
- The museum's provocative art exhibition was banned by conservative groups.
provocative
ADJECTIVE[/prəˈvɑkətɪv/]
causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction, especially deliberately
Her provocative question silenced the entire debate hall in one second.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'provocare' meaning 'to call forth' or 'to challenge,' derived from 'pro-' (forward) and 'vocare' (to call). The word entered English through Old French and has been used since the 16th century.
Breakdown
pro- (forward) + vocare (to call) + -ative (adjective suffix indicating tendency or quality) = provocative
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The comedian's provocative jokes made half the audience laugh and the other half storm out.”
“His provocative social media posts always generate hundreds of angry comments.”
“The museum's provocative art exhibition was banned by conservative groups.”
“She gave him a provocative wink that made him spill coffee all over his shirt.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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