Provocative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Art and Literature

• Many famous artists and writers use provocative techniques to challenge societal norms and provoke thoughts, such as Picasso's Cubism.
• Provocative literature often includes themes that spark debate, such as censorship, sexuality, or political views, as seen in works like 'Lolita' by Nabokov.

Psychology

• In psychology, a provocative statement or action can elicit a range of emotional responses, enhancing engagement or discussion.
• Provocative discussions are often used to break down barriers and encourage deeper thinking in educational settings.

Pop Culture

• In modern media, provocative content is often designed to go viral by shocking the audience, like controversial advertising campaigns.
• Music, like that from artists such as Madonna and Lady Gaga, frequently employs provocative themes to challenge societal norms and expectations.

Social Movements

• Provocative expressions, like slogans or protests, play a crucial role in social movements, pushing people to confront uncomfortable realities.
• Various movements, including feminism and civil rights, have used provocative tactics to raise awareness and incite action among the public.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'provocative' comes from the Latin 'provocare', meaning 'to call forth' or 'to challenge'.
• It began to be used in English around the late 17th century, initially with a broader meaning related to 'calling forth' any response.

The word 'provocative' originated from the Latin word 'provocativus', which means 'calling forth'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century. The term has evolved over time to encompass both the idea of causing strong reactions and of inciting sexual interest. The usage of 'provocative' has become common in various contexts, from political discussions to fashion and entertainment.

See also: provocateur, provocation, provocatively, provoke, provoker, provoking, provokingly, unprovoked.

Ranked #12,231, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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• 12228 oblige
• 12229 imperfectly
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• 12231 provocative
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• 12233 perched
• 12234 undeveloped
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