Wednesday, February 15, 2012

provoke

As a verb, this word is a useful single alternative to using a group of words to describe the action of 'being driven to take action or respond'.

It is used in the context of strong feelings; anger, frustration and similar.

In some sentences it can imply a deliberate intent of the perpetrator to provoke a response in another.

When using this word in spoken contexts give weight and full clarity to the sounds [p] and [k] if you wish to emphasise a sharp, sudden action.  Full stress falls on the second syllable of the word.

'Provoke' is certainly a word to use sparingly and with clear intent in order to preserve its inherent power.




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