provocative
UK: prəˈvɒkətɪv | US: prəˈvɑːkətɪv
adj. intended to provoke, stimulate, or excite (often in a challenging or controversial way)
adj. serving or tending to call forth action, thought, or feeling
adj. deliberately arousing desire or interest
provocative = pro<forward> + voc<call> + ative<adjective suffix>
- pro<forward>: Latin prefix meaning "forward" or "forth," suggesting direction or emphasis.
- voc<call>: From Latin vocare ("to call"), indicating speech or summoning.
- ative<adjective suffix>: Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, denoting a tendency or capacity.
Etymology Origin:
The word provocative traces back to Latin provocare ("to call forth, challenge"), combining pro- (forward) and vocare (to call). Originally used in legal/military contexts (e.g., challenging authority), it evolved to describe actions or words that incite reactions—whether intellectual, emotional, or physical. The modern sense retains this "call to action" logic, now often tied to controversy or allure.
Her speech was deliberately provocative, sparking heated debates.
The artist’s work is known for its provocative themes.
He wore a provocative shirt with a bold political slogan.
The advertisement was banned for being too provocative.
She raised a provocative question during the lecture.