provocative

/prəˈvɒkətɪv/

adjective

  1. Causing or intended to cause a strong reaction, especially by expressing controversial ideas or opinions.

    B2
    • "The article makes some provocative claims about education."B2
    • "The question was provocative and led to a lively discussion."B2

  2. Sexually attractive or suggestive, especially in appearance or behavior.

    B1

    sometimes disapproving

    • "She wore a provocative dress to the party."B1
    • "The film's provocative scenes drew criticism from some viewers."B2

Common mistakes

  • provocative→provoking

    Provocative describes something intended or likely to cause a strong reaction; provoking can also mean deliberately causing anger or annoyance.

Collocations

provocative questionprovocative statementprovocative ideaprovocative imageprovocative behaviorprovocative fashion

Word family

provokeprovocationprovocatively