provocation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provocation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an action or speech that incites someone to react, often in a negative or aggressive manner. Example: "His comments were seen as a provocation, leading to a heated argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ministers, who are known to have been agonising over the benefits proposals, may have decided that would have been a provocation too far.

The Guardian

At the weekend, before the party disciplinary hearing, Marine Le Pen said her father was in "provocation" mode, and was acting maliciously and contemptuously towards her.

The Guardian

Without warning or provocation, the dog bit her on the right thigh.

The Guardian

Ewa Kopacz, Poland's prime minister, previously called the plan a provocation.

The Guardian

He said Jock's behaviour in prison had been "exemplary under extreme provocation" and he accused Bulgarian authorities of being "capricious" and "vindictive".

The Guardian

He invented diction in order to startle the audience into some sort of awareness – lines like, 'I'm going out for an eight-cylinder sandwich.'" With only a little provocation, he ran critically through the galaxy of twentieth century playwrights, beginning with Eugene O'Neill.

The Guardian

We are being provoked by the US and South Korea and are only responding to that provocation and their military threats".

The Guardian

Éva Cserháti, of Hungary's Women United Against Violence (NaNe), told the Guardian the video caricatured female sexuality "almost to the level of a soft-porn movie" and suggested "that women should not drink or have fun in a way that is not completely acceptable to men, because this sort of behaviour is provocation".

The Guardian

The Polish prime minister, Ewa Kopacz, had previously called the rally a "provocation" possibly aimed at putting Poles "in danger of distress".

The Guardian

"The sham regime in Kinshasa is constantly committing irresponsible acts of provocation, plunging the nation into a total impasse that could lead to widespread chaos," Tshisekedi said.

The Guardian

And her sex was provocation enough for some without her antipathy to the politically correct movement, to whom her supposed lack of compassion was a red rag.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provocation" when you want to emphasize the act of deliberately inciting a reaction, especially one that is negative or aggressive. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "provocation" when the action is simply a response to an existing situation without deliberate intent to incite. For example, reacting defensively isn't a "provocation"; it's a reaction to one.

Linguistic Context

The word "provocation" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to the act of provoking, inciting, or annoying someone into doing something. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the word is correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in describing actions that lead to conflict or strong reactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provocation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun referring to the act of inciting a reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile. It appears most often in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. When using "provocation", consider the intent to incite a response, differentiating it from mere reactions to situations. Alternatives like "incitement" or "instigation" may offer nuanced shades of meaning. Understanding these subtleties will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incitement

Focuses more on the act of urging someone towards a specific action, often negative.

instigation

Implies initiating or stirring up an event or action, potentially secretive or underhanded.

irritation

Highlights the act of causing annoyance or frustration, rather than necessarily inciting action.

challenge

Suggests a call to engage in a contest or struggle, either physically or mentally.

affront

Indicates an open insult or offense, causing outrage or indignation.

aggravation

Emphasizes making a situation worse or more intense, rather than initiating it.

taunt

Refers to mocking or teasing remarks intended to provoke someone.

goad

Suggests persistent urging or prodding to incite action.

inducement

Focuses on persuading or influencing someone to do something, often through incentives.

stimulus

Implies something that rouses or encourages activity, potentially without negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "provocation" in a sentence?

You can use "provocation" to describe an action that incites a reaction. For example, "The statement was considered a "deliberate provocation" designed to cause conflict."

What can I say instead of "provocation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "incitement", "instigation", or "irritation".

Is "provocation" a formal or informal word?

"Provocation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more frequently used in news, media, and professional settings. In casual conversations, simpler words may be preferred.

What's the difference between "provocation" and "aggression"?

"Provocation" is an action that incites a response, while "aggression" is the resulting hostile or violent behavior. "Provocation" leads to aggression, but isn't aggression itself. One is "a cause", and the other is "an effect".