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Meaning of provocative in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /prəˈvɑkədɪv/

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  1. Classifying Adjective

    provocative

    Definitions

    1. exciting sexual desire

    Examples

    • « her gestures and postures became more wanton and provocative »

    Synonyms

    • sexy
  2. Qualitative Adjective

    provocative

    Etymology

    late Middle English: from Old French provocatif, -ive, from late Latin provocativus, from provocat-‘called forth, challenged’, from the verb provocare (see provoke)

    Definitions

    1. serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate

    Examples

    • « stimulating discussion or exciting controversy »
    • « a provocative remark »
    • « a provocative smile »
    • « provocative Irish tunes which...compel the hearers to dance- Anthony Trollope »

    Synonyms

    • agitative
    • agitating
    • provoking
    • challenging
    • intriguing
    • charged
    • incendiary
    • incitive
    • inflammatory
    • instigative
    • rabble-rousing
    • seditious
    • rousing

    Antonyms

    • unprovocative
    • unprovoking

See also

  • exciting

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