How to pronounce provocation
Say it like prah-vuh-KAY-shun. Provocation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY).
- prah
- vuh
- KAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Provocation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prahGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- vuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of provocation
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: prov-uh-KAY-shun.
What does provocation mean?
- The act of provoking, inciting or annoying someone into doing something.
- Something that provokes; a provocative act.
- The second step in OPQRST regarding the investigation of what makes the symptoms MOI or NOI improve or deteriorate.“When it's time to check for provocation, ask the patient about what makes their chief complaint better or worse.”
Where does provocation come from?
From Middle English provocacioun, from Old French provocacion, from Late Latin prōvocātiō, prōvocātiōnem, from Latin prōvocō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- aggravation
- irritation
- incitement
- incitation
Words that rhyme with provocation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of provocation.
Questions about saying provocation
How do you pronounce provocation?
Say prah-vuh-KAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌprɑvəˈkeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in provocation?
Provocation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY). Broken into parts: prah · vuh · KAY · shun.
Is provocation pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌprɒvəˈkeɪʃən/ (prov-uh-KAY-shun).