provocative
[ pruh-vok-uh-tiv ]
/ prəˈvɒk ə tɪv /
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adjective
tending or serving to provoke; inciting, stimulating, irritating, or vexing.
noun
something provocative.
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Origin of provocative
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Late Latin word prōvocātīvus.See provocation, -ive
OTHER WORDS FROM provocative
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use provocative in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for provocative
provocative
/ (prəˈvɒkətɪv) /
adjective
acting as a stimulus or incitement, esp to anger or sexual desire; provokinga provocative look; a provocative remark
Derived forms of provocative
provocatively, adverbprovocativeness, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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