What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
controversialism
Example
The politician's controversialism sparked heated debates among voters. [controversialism: noun]
Example
She was known for her controversialism and often played devil's advocate in discussions. [controversialism: noun]
provocation
Example
His rude comments were a clear provocation to the other party. [provocation: noun]
Example
She knew her actions would be seen as a provocation, but she did them anyway. [provocation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Provocation is more commonly used than controversialism in everyday language. Provocation is a more well-known term and is often used in news headlines or social media discussions. Controversialism is a less common term and may be more commonly used in academic or intellectual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between controversialism and provocation?
Both controversialism and provocation are generally informal terms, although they can be used in formal contexts such as academic writing or political speeches.
