Provocative

B2 16+

Pronunciation: /prəˈvɑkətɪv/

Definitions of provocative

adjective tending to provoke or stimulate; stimulating discussion or exciting controversy

Example Sentences

A1 The movie had some provocative scenes that made me uncomfortable.

A2 The artist's painting was provocative, sparking a lot of discussion among viewers.

B1 The politician's speech was provocative, stirring up controversy among the audience.

B2 The novel's provocative themes challenged societal norms and sparked debate.

C1 The controversial art exhibit was seen as provocative by some and thought-provoking by others.

C2 The filmmaker's provocative storytelling style pushed the boundaries of traditional cinema.

Examples of provocative in a Sentence

formal The artist's latest piece is quite provocative, sparking deep conversations about societal issues.

informal Her outfit was so provocative, all eyes were on her the entire night.

slang Did you see that movie? It was so provocative, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

figurative His words were provocative, stirring up emotions and challenging beliefs.

Grammatical Forms of provocative

past tense

provoked

plural

provocatives

comparative

more provocative

superlative

most provocative

present tense

provokes

future tense

will provoke

perfect tense

have provoked

continuous tense

is provoking

singular

provocative

positive degree

provocative

infinitive

to provoke

gerund

provoking

participle

provoked

Origin and Evolution of provocative

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'provocative' originated from the Latin word 'provocativus', which is derived from the verb 'provocare' meaning 'to challenge or provoke'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in English to describe something that provokes a reaction or response, the word 'provocative' has evolved to also connote something that is sexually alluring or stimulating.