How to pronounce provocative
Say it like proh-VOK-uh-tiv. Provocative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VOK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce provocative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- proh
- VOK
- uh
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Provocative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- VOKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of provocative
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: pruh-VOK-uh-tiv.
What does provocative mean?
- Serving or tending to elicit a strong, often negative sentiment in another person; exasperating.
- Serving or tending to excite, stimulate or arouse sexual interest; sexy.
- Provoking or triggering any response.
- Something that provokes an appetite, especially a sexual appetite; an aphrodisiac.
Where does provocative come from?
Borrowed from Middle French provocatif, and its source, Late Latin provocativus, from Latin provocare.
Words that rhyme with provocative
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of provocative.
Questions about saying provocative
How do you pronounce provocative?
Say proh-VOK-uh-tiv. The American pronunciation is /proʊˈvɑkətɪv/. In British English it is /prəˈvɒkətɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in provocative?
Provocative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VOK). Broken into parts: proh · VOK · uh · tiv.
Is provocative 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 /prəˈvɒkətɪv/ (pruh-VOK-uh-tiv).