provocative

Pronunciation: /pɹəˈvɑ.kə.tɪv/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate; stimulating discussion or exciting controversy; ; ; - Anthony Trollope
  2. adjective exciting sexual desire

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French provocatif, and its source, Late Latin provocativus, from Latin provocare.

In classic literature

Semantic network

Similar
agitative, charged, incendiary, challenging
Opposite (antonyms)
unprovocative

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