Meaning
To cause a discussion involving differing opinions to begin.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'provocar un debate' is often the goal of 'tertulias' on TV and radio, where pundits discuss topics very passionately. Argentines are famous for their love of debate. 'Provocar un debate' over a coffee or a mate is a common social pastime. In Mexican academic and political circles, 'suscitar un debate' is preferred for its formal tone during 'mesas redondas' (round tables). Colombian media often uses 'abrir el debate' when a new social issue arises, inviting citizens to participate via social media.
Use with 'Sobre'
Always follow with 'sobre' to specify the topic. 'Provocar un debate sobre [tema]'.
Spelling Alert
In the subjunctive, 'provocar' becomes 'provoque'. Don't write 'provoce'!
Meaning
To cause a discussion involving differing opinions to begin.
Use with 'Sobre'
Always follow with 'sobre' to specify the topic. 'Provocar un debate sobre [tema]'.
Spelling Alert
In the subjunctive, 'provocar' becomes 'provoque'. Don't write 'provoce'!
Journalistic Flair
Use 'suscitar' instead of 'provocar' in written exams to impress the examiner with your vocabulary range.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'provocar'.
Espero que mi artículo ________ un debate en la universidad.
We need the present subjunctive because of 'Espero que'. Remember the c -> qu change!
Selecciona la opción más natural para un contexto periodístico.
La nueva medida del gobierno ha ________ un debate nacional.
'Provocado' is the standard collocation for starting a debate in news.
Empareja el verbo con su contexto más adecuado.
Verbos: 1. Provocar, 2. Suscitar, 3. Armar. Contextos: A. Muy formal/Académico, B. Estándar/Noticias, C. Informal/Coloquial.
Provocar is standard, Suscitar is formal, Armar is informal.
Completa el diálogo.
A: ¿Por qué dijiste eso en la reunión? B: Porque quería ________ un debate sobre los salarios.
The context implies the person wanted to start a discussion.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEspero que mi artículo ________ un debate en la universidad.
We need the present subjunctive because of 'Espero que'. Remember the c -> qu change!
La nueva medida del gobierno ha ________ un debate nacional.
'Provocado' is the standard collocation for starting a debate in news.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Provocar is standard, Suscitar is formal, Armar is informal.
A: ¿Por qué dijiste eso en la reunión? B: Porque quería ________ un debate sobre los salarios.
The context implies the person wanted to start a discussion.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo necesariamente. Depende del contexto. En política o ciencia, es positivo porque ayuda a encontrar la verdad.
Sí, es gramaticalmente correcto, pero 'provocar' o 'suscitar' suenan mucho más naturales.
'Armar' es mucho más informal, casi como 'armar un lío' (to make a mess).
Sí, es una expresión universal en todo el mundo hispanohablante.
Related Phrases
Suscitar polémica
similarTo stir up controversy
Abrir el debate
similarTo open the debate
Zanjar un debate
contrastTo settle/end a debate
Entrar en debate
builds onTo join a debate
Generar controversia
similarTo generate controversy
