arousing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arousing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is causing excitement, interest, or strong feelings, often in a sensory or emotional way. Example: "The movie was so captivating that it left the audience arousing a sense of wonder and curiosity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If your objective is to take the death penalty off the books, arousing Indonesian hostility is not the way to go".

The Guardian

The French imagined a Europe that straddled mercantilism and social democracy, in which Brussels would sponsor industrial and infrastructure "grands projets" (Parisian Keynesians adore grands projets), arousing the jealousy of the Americans.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The struggle with nazism and fascism meant, especially among the clergy and church leaders, that nationalism had been seen as deviant and selfish and arousing darker, dangerous passions," he said.

The Guardian

Theory Of Funny: Pathos This week, let's discuss pathos, which my online dictionary defines as "arousing feelings of pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow", and then there's a pop-up offering a free-trial phone sex call with someone who can reduce my mortgage payment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are sexier than Page 3 of the Sun, which is about as arousing as an ankle at a Victorian dance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not everyone found Bond's boat this arousing but, in the midst of cup fever, few were prepared to put the sporting victory into any sort of perspective.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also espoused market-based ideas in education, arousing "surprisingly" little annoyance among the party's base in the public-sector middle class.

The Economist

President Yoweri Museveni's supporters in Uganda amended that country's constitution so he could seek (and win) a third term in February, arousing fears of an incipient dictatorship there.

The Economist

A musicologist, Susan McClary, is on orthodox critical ground in describing sonata form, the core musical structure of male-dominated 19th-century music, as "a process of arousing expectation of a single climax and then delaying its gratification".

The Economist

The Pakistani ambassador in Katmandu has offered military help, but that seemed more a knee-jerk dig at India than a considered strategy.Nepal has tried to play its big neighbours off against each other by arousing India's traditional fears of China's growing strategic influence.

The Economist

Even so they are arousing alarm, which a new consultation paper from the Treasury has done nothing to dispel.Some of the consternation is the usual bleating that arises when people have to pay more tax.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arousing", ensure the context is clear to avoid unintended suggestive interpretations, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "arousing" in highly formal or academic contexts when a more neutral term like "stimulating" or "evoking" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "arousing" functions primarily as a present participle, describing something that is currently causing a feeling or reaction. It can also serve as a gerund or an adjective. As confirmed by Ludwig, the word is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "arousing" is a versatile term that describes the act of causing or stimulating a particular feeling or reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science, though caution is advised in overly formal settings. While alternatives like "stimulating" or "evoking" may be preferable in certain situations, "arousing" effectively conveys a sense of instigation or provocation. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources such as The Economist and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stimulating

Highlights the act of encouraging activity or development.

evoking

Focuses on bringing a feeling or memory into the conscious mind.

provoking

Emphasizes causing a reaction, often deliberately.

stirring up

Implies causing trouble or excitement, often with a negative connotation.

awakening

Suggests bringing something to life or making someone aware.

igniting

Suggests setting something on fire, metaphorically inspiring passion or conflict.

inciting

Implies urging someone to act in a violent or unlawful way.

kindling

Suggests starting a fire, metaphorically inspiring a feeling or idea.

generating

Focuses on creating or producing something.

fostering

Implies nurturing or developing something.

FAQs

How can I use "arousing" in a sentence?

The word "arousing" can be used to describe something that evokes strong feelings or interest. For example: "The speaker's passionate words were arousing great enthusiasm in the crowd."

What are some alternatives to using "arousing"?

You can use alternatives like "stimulating", "evoking", or "provoking", depending on the specific context.

Is "arousing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "arousing" can carry a strong connotation. In formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "stimulating" or "generating" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "arousing" and "exciting"?

"Arousing" often implies a deeper or more intense emotional or sensory stimulation than "exciting". "Exciting" generally refers to a feeling of enthusiasm or eagerness, while "arousing" can encompass a wider range of strong feelings.