provocative
[pruh-vok-uh-tiv]
- tending or serving to provoke; inciting, stimulating, irritating, or vexing.
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- 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for provocatively
Contemporary Examples
She looked at him provocatively, as if relishing the chance to do something the rest of the royal family would never do.
Gibson did the same in the previously released tape, in which he condemned Grigorieva for dressing too provocatively.
Historical Examples
The only change was in her eyes, which no longer smiled into his so provocatively.
The Envoy, HerHorace Brown Fyfe
She smiled up at him provocatively and his sombre face lightened.
The Lamp of FateMargaret Pedler
“I can see that grand supper-party not coming off,” said Joan provocatively.
She allowed herself to smile mysteriously, provocatively at him.
LeonoraArnold Bennett
The words were wafted back to us provocatively upon the evening air.
American AdventuresJulian Street
provocative
- acting as a stimulus or incitement, esp to anger or sexual desire; provokinga provocative look; a provocative remark
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for provocatively
provocative
adj.
mid-15c., "eliciting," from Middle French provocatif (15c.) and directly from Late Latin provocativus "calling forth," from provocat-, past participle stem of Latin provocare (see provoke). Specifically of sexual desire from 1620s. Related: Provocatively; provocativeness. The earliest appearance of the word in English is as a noun meaning "an aphrodisiac" (early 15c.).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper