provoking
word · lemma: provoke
Definition
Causing a strong reaction, such as anger or interest; making someone feel or think strongly about something.
Usage & Nuances
Often appears as 'thought-provoking' (makes you think) or 'provoking behavior' (causing annoyance/anger). Used in both formal and informal contexts. Don't confuse with only negative use—can mean stimulating ideas too.
Spanish: provocador - que provocaPortuguese (BR): provocador - provocantePortuguese (PT): provocador - provocanteChinese (Simplified): 挑衅的 - 引发的Chinese (Traditional): 挑釁的 - 引發的Hindi: उकसाने वाला - उत्तेजकArabic: مستفز - مثيرBengali: উত্তেজক - চিন্তার উদ্রেককারীRussian: провокационный - вызывающийJapanese: 挑発的な - 考えさせるVietnamese: khiêu khích - kích thích suy nghĩKorean: 도발적인 - 자극적인Turkish: kışkırtıcı - düşündürücüUrdu: اشتعال انگیز - سوچنے پر مجبور کرنے والاIndonesian: memprovokasi - menggugah
Example Sentences
Her comments were very provoking.
basic
The movie had a provoking message.
basic
He made a provoking joke.
basic
That was a really provoking debate—they touched on sensitive topics.
natural
I find his attitude quite provoking sometimes.
natural
Some art is meant to be provoking, not just beautiful.
natural