pique

USAGE SUMMARY

"pique" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an English verb meaning "to excite or arouse, especially by a provocation, challenge, or rebuff." For example, "His rude behavior piqued her anger and she had to leave the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But after a short time in his company it's clear that there's much in the book that continues to pique his own curiosity.

The Guardian - Books

Rosetta mission: behind the scenes of a historic landing Pique students' interest with this insight into mission control.

The Guardian

When it comes to the lyrical content, meanwhile, people hear an egocentric fit played out on record, the undeserved pique of someone genuinely angry at the absence of his damn croissants.

The Guardian - Music

While none of his revelations rose to the level of fraudulent or illegal activity, Goldman's response was relatively muted: the bank disclosed, for instance, that Smith may have resigned as much in a fit of pique at being denied a raise and a promotion as out of moral outrage.

The Guardian - Money

An unfinished print is McIvor's first portrayal of his community's forced exile during the second world war in a pique of "fifth-column" paranoia by the Australian government.

The Guardian

North Korea has since threatened to resume its missile programme, partly out of pique at the suspicious attitude of the new administration.The new administration is thought likely to be even tougher than Clinton officials on such issues.

The Economist

Bringing fresh issues into the talks—on environmental or currency matters, for instance could pique advanced-economy interest and bring a new energy to multilateral talks.

The Economist

But its pique is likely to be short-lived.

The Economist

But the danger is that Mr Clarke will attempt to enact a complicated and far-reaching piece of legislation in a fit of pique, much as Margaret Thatcher did when she abolished the Ken Livingstone-led Greater London Council.Gimme a gimmickMr Clarke's response to these real difficulties has been a form of frenetic displacement activity.

The Economist

North Korea has since threatened to continue its missile programme, partly out of pique at Mr Bush's characterisation of Kim Jong Il as a "dictator".

The Economist

He hints that the Palestinian venture may prolong sanctions against fund-raising by Sinn Fein in America, supposedly imposed because the party has not yet agreed to support policing in Northern Ireland.Despite its pique, the Bush administration, like the British government, thinks the IRA is de-fanged and Sinn Fein well on the road to political virtue.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pique" to suggest a deliberate, often subtle, attempt to stimulate interest or curiosity. For example, "The unusual art exhibit was designed to pique the interest of even the most jaded critics."

Common error

Avoid confusing "pique" (to stimulate interest or resentment) with "peak" (the highest point). For example, instead of "The movie's plot peaked my interest", use "The movie's plot piqued my interest."

Linguistic Context

The word "pique" functions primarily as a verb, meaning to stimulate interest or curiosity. It can also function as a noun, denoting a feeling of irritation or resentment, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig. As Ludwig AI states, the word is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pique" is a versatile term with two main functions: as a verb meaning to stimulate interest or curiosity, and as a noun denoting a feeling of irritation or resentment. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used in written English. The analysis of numerous examples reveals that "pique" is frequently encountered in news and media sources. When aiming to "arouse curiosity" or "spark interest", "pique" is a sophisticated choice. However, it is crucial to avoid confusing it with "peak", which refers to the highest point. Overall, "pique" remains a valuable asset in written communication when employed accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arouse curiosity

Focuses specifically on generating interest or inquisitiveness.

spark interest

Emphasizes the initiation of interest or excitement.

excite curiosity

Highlights the creation of a state of eagerness to know or learn something.

provoke resentment

Highlights the incitement of bitterness or indignation.

incite interest

Underscores the action of urging or prompting interest.

generate intrigue

Focuses on creating fascination or mystery.

stir up annoyance

Focuses on causing irritation or displeasure.

whet the appetite

Suggests stimulating desire or enthusiasm.

rouse to action

Emphasizes the stimulation or motivation to act.

irritate

Simple form to indicate a feeling of annoyance

FAQs

How to use "pique" in a sentence?

The word "pique" can be used to indicate that something has stimulated interest or curiosity. For example, "The speaker's introduction was intended to pique the audience's curiosity."

What does "pique" mean?

The word "pique" can mean either a feeling of irritation or resentment, or to stimulate someone's interest or curiosity. The context usually clarifies which meaning is intended.

What can I say instead of "pique"?

You can use alternatives like "arouse curiosity", "spark interest", or "stir up annoyance" depending on the context.

Is "pique" formal or informal?

"Pique" is generally considered a neutral to formal word, suitable for use in professional writing, news articles, and academic papers.