What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
annoy
Example
The loud music from the party next door really annoys me. [annoy: verb]
Example
Stop tapping your pencil, it's so annoying! [annoying: adjective]
provoke
Example
His constant teasing finally provoked her into yelling at him. [provoke: verb]
Example
The controversial statement made by the politician provoked a heated debate. [provoked: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Annoy is more commonly used than provoke in everyday language. Annoy is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while provoke is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between annoy and provoke?
Both annoy and provoke can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, provoke may carry a slightly more formal tone due to its stronger connotation and less frequent usage.
