Stir: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you need to gently combine ingredients, often with a circular motion. It can be used for both liquids and solids. Common in everyday cooking.

• Stir the soup occasionally
• Stir the sugar into the coffee

General term for combining ingredients. Can be used for both simple and complex mixtures, for both liquids and solids.

• Mix the flour and water together
• Mix the salad ingredients in a bowl

Appropriate for creating a smooth, uniform mixture of ingredients. Often involves the use of a blender or similar appliance. Used when combining ingredients to a very fine consistency.

• Blend the fruits until smooth
• Blend the spices to make a fine powder

Involves beating ingredients quickly to incorporate air, often with a whisk. Commonly used for eggs, cream, and batters.

• Whisk the egg whites until stiff
• Whisk the cream until it forms peaks

Typically used to describe the action of mixing ingredients in cooking or to evoke emotions or reactions in a subtle way.

• She began to stir the soup pot slowly.
• The speech was designed to stir the audience's emotions.

Usually implies awakening strong feelings or excitement, often of a sexual nature. It can also mean to stimulate curiosity or interest.

• The movie scenes were intended to arouse emotions.
• The new book aroused a great deal of public interest.

Often used to mean physically waking someone up or figuratively making someone aware of something previously unnoticed.

• The loud noise awakened me from my sleep.
• The seminar aims to awaken interest in environmental issues.

Usually has a negative connotation, implying that an action is intended to cause a strong or unwelcome reaction, such as anger or frustration.

• His comments were meant to provoke a response.
• The protest was intended to provoke change in government policies.

Use when describing a gentle disturbance or slight movement, often causing some interest or attention.

• The announcement caused a stir among the employees.
• The slight stir in the bushes made me curious.

Refers to a state of confused and noisy disturbance, often implying a physical scene with movement and sounds.

• There was a commotion in the hallway when the fire alarm went off.
• The commotion outside the building drew everyone's attention.

Describes a loud and impassioned noise or disturbance, often involving a group of people, typically in reaction to an event. This word usually has a more intense connotation.

• The decision to raise taxes caused an uproar among the citizens.
• There was an uproar in the stadium after the referee's controversial call.

Indicates unnecessary or excessive excitement, worry, or activity over something, usually minor or trivial.

• She made a huge fuss over her missing pen.
• Let's not make a fuss about it; it's just a small mistake.