What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stir
Example
Can you stir the soup while I chop the vegetables? [stir: verb]
Example
The news of the election results stirred up a lot of controversy. [stirred: past tense]
Example
The speech was meant to stir patriotism in the hearts of the audience. [stir: verb]
provoke
Example
She knew that criticizing his cooking would provoke him. [provoke: verb]
Example
The rude comment provoked an angry response from the audience. [provoked: past tense]
Example
The movie was designed to provoke thought and discussion. [provoke: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stir is more commonly used than provoke in everyday language. Stir is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while provoke is less common and has a more specific negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stir and provoke?
While stir is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, provoke is more formal and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
