incite a feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incite a feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of provoking or stimulating an emotional response in someone. Example: "The film was designed to incite a feeling of nostalgia among its viewers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tocqueville also suggested that imperial endeavors would incite a feeling of patriotism that would counterbalance the modern centrifugal forces of materialism and class conflict.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Maybe he can incite a few Wes Welker-style microbenchings.

The New York Times

Accepting tax increases would incite a Tea Party revolt.

The New York Times

He appeared to incite a brawl with the Denver Nuggets.

The New York Times - Sports

He responded by trying to incite a Harley boycott.

The New York Times

It doesn't incite a solution.

Huffington Post

For information on our full range of classes, sign up to the Guardian Masterclassesnewsletter, follow us on Twitter, or keep an eye on our calendar Does opening your inbox every morning incite a queasy feeling of anxiety?

The Guardian

It could incite an altercation.

The New York Times - Magazine

It can incite an immune response.

Nature

But did it incite an immediate breach of the peace?

The New York Times

"You say my hyperbole is to incite an inflamed public.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to describe the deliberate stimulation of an emotion, consider using "incite a feeling". It conveys intentionality and can be powerful in persuasive writing or rhetoric.

Common error

Avoid using "incite a feeling" when a more neutral term like "evoke" or "create" would be more appropriate. "Incite" often implies a strong, potentially negative, stimulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incite a feeling" functions as a verb phrase where "incite" is the verb indicating the action of provoking or instigating, and "a feeling" is the direct object, specifying what is being provoked. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "incite a feeling" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of deliberately provoking or stimulating an emotion. As Ludwig AI suggests, while the phrase is valid, it is relatively infrequent, suggesting that other alternatives might be more common or natural depending on the context. The usage leans towards neutral registers, found in both news and media as well as scientific contexts, with a slightly negative connotation due to the verb "incite". When writing, consider whether "incite a feeling" accurately reflects the intended nuance, or if a more neutral term like "evoke" or "stir" might be more appropriate. Consider also some options as: "provoke a feeling", "evoke an emotion", or "stir a sentiment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoke a feeling

Replaces 'incite' with 'provoke', implying a slightly stronger or more reactive emotional response.

evoke an emotion

Focuses on the act of 'evoking' or bringing forth an emotion, which can be more subtle than inciting.

stir a sentiment

Uses 'stir' to suggest a gentle awakening of a pre-existing sentiment or emotion.

arouse a sensation

Emphasizes the physical or sensory aspect of the emotional experience.

ignite a passion

Suggests a sudden and intense emotional reaction, particularly one of enthusiasm or desire.

trigger an emotion

Implies that the feeling is a reaction to a specific stimulus.

foster a sense

Indicates a gradual development of a particular feeling or perception.

generate an emotion

Highlights the creation of a feeling, suggesting a process or effort.

create a sentiment

Focuses on making or building a sentiment, often through deliberate actions or words.

inspire a mood

Suggests that the feeling is uplifting or motivational.

FAQs

What does "incite a feeling" mean?

The phrase "incite a feeling" means to deliberately cause or provoke an emotion. It suggests actively stimulating a particular emotional response in someone or something.

What can I say instead of "incite a feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "provoke a feeling", "evoke an emotion", or "stir a sentiment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "incite a feeling"?

While "incite" can sometimes have negative connotations, particularly when related to violence or unrest, it is not inherently negative. It simply implies actively stimulating a feeling, which could be positive (e.g., "incite a feeling of hope") or negative (e.g., "incite a feeling of anger").

How can I use "incite a feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "incite a feeling" to describe actions or events that deliberately cause a specific emotion. For example, "The artist aimed to incite a feeling of wonder through their surreal landscapes."