French Conversation · Level 53
75 words
French word
provoquer
Pronunciation
IPA/pʁovoke/
Meaning
- verbcause
Example
Ton message a provoqué beaucoup de réactions.
Your message caused a lot of reactions.
More examples
Une parole maladroite peut provoquer la colère.
An awkward remark can provoke anger.
Core concept
An action or event sends an effect outward, bringing a reaction or result into existence.
Common phrases
provoquer des réactions
provoke reactions
provoquer des débats
provoke debates
Similar words
causer: To cause an effect or outcome through something that happens or is done.
déclencher: To initiate a chain of responses or actions.
susciter: To draw out emotion, interest, or a responsive reaction.
entraîner: To lead to another event or state of affairs.
Definition in French
Faire apparaître ou déclencher un effet, un événement ou une réaction.
Word origin
French provoquer comes from Latin provocare, meaning 'to call forth', formed from pro- 'forth' and vocare 'to call'.
Usage tips
- Provoquer often presents a deliberate trigger, especially with emotions, while causer is more neutral when stating a cause.
Other meanings
- provokeverb
- angerverb
Related words
- provocationprovocationnoun
- provocateurprovocateurnoun
- provocatifprovocativeadjective