Overview
The Italian verb 'provocare' is a versatile and common verb that translates to 'to provoke,' 'to cause,' 'to elicit,' or 'to stir up' in English. Its core meaning revolves around initiating or bringing about a reaction, event, or feeling, often with an implication of something being incited or deliberately brought forth.
Conjugation:
'Provocare' is a regular -are verb. Here's its present tense conjugation:
- io provoco
- tu provochi
- lui/lei/Lei provoca
- noi provochiamo
- voi provocate
- loro provocano
Common Usages and Nuances:
- 1To Cause/Elicit a Reaction (Often Negative): This is perhaps its most frequent use. It implies that an action or statement leads to a response, which can be anger, laughter, curiosity, or even violence.
- Examples:
- “Le sue parole hanno provocato una discussione accesa.” (His words provoked a heated discussion.)
- "Il suo comportamento ha provocato l'ira della folla." (His behavior provoked the anger of the crowd.)
- “Questa notizia ha provocato molte domande.” (This news has provoked many questions.)
- 1To Cause/Bring About an Event or Situation: In this context, 'provocare' means to be the direct cause or trigger of something happening.
- Examples:
- “La siccità ha provocato gravi problemi agricoli.” (The drought caused serious agricultural problems.)
- “Un cortocircuito ha provocato un incendio.” (A short circuit caused a fire.)
- “La sua decisione ha provocato una crisi diplomatica.” (His decision caused a diplomatic crisis.)
- 1To Incite/Stir Up (Often Emotions or Trouble): This usage carries a stronger connotation of intentional instigation, often with a negative outcome.
- Examples:
- “Non cercare di provocare una rissa.” (Don't try to provoke a fight.)
- “Le sue azioni sono state intese a provocare disordini.” (His actions were intended to provoke unrest.)
- “Le sue affermazioni provocano sempre polemiche.” (His statements always stir up controversy.)
- 1To Tease/Annoy (Less Formal): In more informal contexts, 'provocare' can mean to playfully or intentionally annoy someone to get a reaction.
- Example:
- "Lo stavo solo provocando un po'." (I was just teasing him a little.)
**Medical Context
To Induce/Trigger:** In a medical or scientific context, it can refer to the induction or triggering of a symptom or condition.
- Example:
- “Questo farmaco può provocare sonnolenza.” (This medication can cause drowsiness.)
Synonyms:
- Causare (to cause)
- Generare (to generate)
- Scatenare (to unleash, to trigger)
- Istigare (to instigate)
- Determinare (to determine, to cause)
- Elicitare (to elicit)
Understanding the context is key to correctly interpreting 'provocare.' It's a dynamic verb that often implies a chain reaction or a deliberate initiation of an event or emotion.
예시
Le sue parole hanno provocato un putiferio.
Speaking about the impact of someone's statements.His words caused an uproar.
Non cercare di provocarmi.
Warning someone not to instigate an argument or fight.Don't try to provoke me.
La mancanza di sonno può provocare mal di testa.
Explaining a causal relationship between a condition and a symptom.Lack of sleep can cause headaches.
La sua assenza ha provocato molte speculazioni.
Referring to an event leading to widespread discussion or theories.His absence caused a lot of speculation.
Il cambiamento climatico sta provocando gravi danni ambientali.
Discussing the negative effects of a large-scale phenomenon.Climate change is causing serious environmental damage.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 혼동되는 단어
문법 패턴
사용법
사용 참고사항
'Provocare' is a versatile verb in Italian, commonly used to describe initiating or bringing about a wide range of reactions, events, or emotions. It is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes a direct object. Common collocations include 'provocare un incidente' (to cause an accident), 'provocare un incendio' (to cause a fire), 'provocare una reazione' (to provoke a reaction), and 'provocare risate' (to cause laughter). When referring to people, it can mean to tease, taunt, or intentionally annoy someone, as in 'Non provocare il cane' (Don't provoke the dog). It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as 'provocare un cambiamento' (to provoke a change) or 'provocare una riflessione' (to provoke a reflection). The choice of preposition after 'provocare' is typically 'a' when followed by an infinitive, as in 'provocare qualcuno a fare qualcosa' (to provoke someone to do something), though this construction is less common than using a noun as the direct object. Its past participle is 'provocato', and it conjugates regularly as an -are verb.
자주 하는 실수
A common mistake is confusing 'provocare' with 'dimostrare' (to demonstrate) or 'sostenere' (to support). While all three can involve bringing something about, 'provocare' specifically implies initiating a reaction or an event, often with an element of instigation. For example, 'provocare una reazione' (to provoke a reaction) is correct, but 'dimostrare una reazione' is not. Another mistake is using it too broadly. It’s best suited for situations where there’s a clear cause-and-effect relationship, particularly when the 'cause' is an action that leads to a 'reaction' or an 'event.' Make sure the context implies an initiation of something, rather than just a general occurrence. Finally, remember that 'provocare' can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying stirring up trouble or causing annoyance, though it can also be neutral.
팁
Synonyms
Common Mistakes
Usage Examples
어원
From Latin prōvocāre ('to call forth', 'to challenge'). Equivalent to pro- + vocare ('to call').
문화적 맥락
In Italian culture, 'provocare' carries a nuanced meaning that extends beyond a simple 'to cause.' While it can certainly mean to bring about an event or reaction, it often implies a deliberate act of instigation, often with a slightly negative or mischievous connotation. For instance, 'provocare una discussione' (to provoke a discussion) might suggest intentionally stirring up debate. It can also refer to provoking someone emotionally, like 'provocare rabbia' (to provoke anger), where the intention is to elicit a strong feeling. In social interactions, being described as 'provocatorio' (provocative) can imply a challenging or even rebellious stance, especially in art, fashion, or intellectual discourse. It doesn't always have to be negative; a work of art can be 'provocatorio' in a way that encourages thought and dialogue. The word's usage often hints at an active agent behind the cause, rather than a passive or accidental occurrence.
암기 팁
Visualize a 'provo-king' (provocare) stirring up trouble, causing a reaction everywhere he goes. This can help you remember that 'provocare' means to cause a reaction or event.
자주 묻는 질문
4 질문셀프 테스트
Il suo discorso ha ____ un dibattito acceso.
Non voglio ____ problemi a nessuno.
Le sue azioni hanno ____ una risposta forte.
점수: /3
Synonyms
Common Mistakes
Usage Examples
예시
5 / 5Le sue parole hanno provocato un putiferio.
His words caused an uproar.
Non cercare di provocarmi.
Don't try to provoke me.
La mancanza di sonno può provocare mal di testa.
Lack of sleep can cause headaches.
La sua assenza ha provocato molte speculazioni.
His absence caused a lot of speculation.
Il cambiamento climatico sta provocando gravi danni ambientali.
Climate change is causing serious environmental damage.
관련 콘텐츠
academic 관련 단어
accertare
B2To verify, confirm, or ascertain.
acclarato
C1Clearly established, verified, or confirmed
affermare
B1To state as a fact or assert.
ambiguo
C1Open to more than one interpretation; unclear.
analisi
B1Detailed examination of the elements of something.
analizzare
B1To examine methodically and in detail.
analogia
C1A comparison between two things for explanation
antitesi
C1A person or thing that is the direct opposite
approccio
B1A way of dealing with a situation or problem.
approfondire
B2To study or examine in greater detail.