Provocative

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /pɹəˈvɒk.ə.tɪv/

Definitions

1. Causing a notable emotional response or reaction, often intended to challenge societal norms
2. Designed to elicit strong reactions or discussions by being intentionally controversial or bold
3. Arousing strong feelings or thoughts, particularly by challenging existing beliefs or conventions

Etymology: "Provocative" carries a Latin core that is easy to read: "provocare" combines "pro-", forth, with "vocare", to call, so the basic sense is "to call forth." A provocation was originally a summoning or challenge, a calling out of someone to respond. That idea of drawing a reaction is what the adjective keeps today, whether it describes a remark, a photograph or a piece of fashion. The adjective reached English through Middle French "provocatif," which itself came from Late Latin "provocativus." The Late Latin form had the same meaning of stirring or inciting, and the French version passed the sense of stimulating or challenging into English. The word therefore arrived as a borrowing from a learned Latin source rather than a native English word, which explains why its ending, "-ative," matches other formal words borrowed in the same way.

Synonyms: challenging, stimulating, provoking, inflammatory, arousing

Antonyms: unprovocative, calm, soothing, peaceful, dull