Provoking

B2 16+

Pronunciation: /prəˈvoʊkɪŋ/

Definitions of provoking

verb to cause a reaction or feeling, typically a strong or unwelcome one

Example Sentences

A1 The movie was very provoking, it made me think about many things.

A2 She has a way of provoking people with her controversial opinions.

B1 The artist's work is known for provoking strong emotions in viewers.

B2 The novel's ending was so provoking that it stayed with me for days.

C1 The politician's speech was intentionally provoking in order to stir up debate.

C2 The play's provocative themes were meant to be thought-provoking and challenge societal norms.

adjective causing annoyance, anger, or another strong reaction

Example Sentences

A1 The movie was provoking because it made me think about important issues.

A2 The provocative artwork sparked a heated debate among viewers.

B1 The novel's provoking themes challenged societal norms and beliefs.

B2 The professor's provoking lecture pushed students to reconsider their perspectives on the topic.

C1 The controversial documentary was both thought-provoking and impactful.

C2 The artist's latest exhibit was hailed as a provoking masterpiece that pushed boundaries in the art world.

Examples of provoking in a Sentence

formal The speaker delivered a thought-provoking speech on environmental conservation.

informal I found that movie to be really provoking, it made me think a lot.

slang That article was so provoking, it really got under my skin.

figurative His words were like a provoking slap in the face, forcing me to confront the truth.

Grammatical Forms of provoking

past tense

provoked

plural

provokers

comparative

more provoking

superlative

most provoking

present tense

provoke

future tense

will provoke

perfect tense

have provoked

continuous tense

is provoking

singular

provoker

positive degree

provoking

infinitive

to provoke

gerund

provoking

participle

provoked

Origin and Evolution of provoking

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'provoking' originated from the Old French word 'provocant' which comes from the Latin word 'provocare' meaning 'to challenge or provoke'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'provoking' has evolved to not only mean inciting anger or annoyance but also to denote something that is stimulating or thought-provoking.