pique - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
pique Word Meanings
- to stimulate interest or curiosity
- to provoke a reaction or feeling
- to arouse an emotional response
pique Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
pique Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/piːk/
US
/pik/
pique Word Etymology
From French 'pique' (to prick), which suggests a stimulating or sharp feeling. Visualize a prick from a thorn that jolts your attention.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Pique is a verb that means to stimulate interest or curiosity, to provoke a reaction or feeling, or to arouse an emotional response. In everyday use it often describes something that catches attention, such as a teaser, a provocative question, or a vivid image that makes someone pay closer attention. It implies a sharp, brief impulse rather than a gradual change, and it can apply to curiosity, pride, anger, or surprise. The etymology from French pique (to prick) offers a helpful mental cue: picture a prick that jolts your awareness and nudges you to explore further. In speech, one might say the topic piqued someone's interest or curiosity at once.
Usage Reminders
- • Use piqué to describe a sharp spark of interest.
- • Follow piqué with an object: piqued my curiosity.
- • It is not a long-lasting feeling by itself.
- • Often pairs with a question, teaser, or image.
- • Remember the etymology: a prick that wakes up attention.
Common Misconceptions
- Pique means irritate or annoy, which it does not.
- It only refers to curiosity, not other emotions like anger or pride.
- It cannot be used with people as the subject.
- It's not the same as piqueing interest; use 'to pique' with a direct object.
- Confusion with pique as a noun or with 'piqué' in fashion.
Thinking Differences
Pique in English conveys a brief, sharp spark of interest, often with a sense of immediacy. Learners tend to overextend it to long-term feelings or confuse it with simple appeal; it is most natural with the phrase to pique someone's interest.
Learning Tips
- Link piqué with a concrete object to show what sparks interest.
- Practice with common collocations: pique curiosity, pique interest.
- Use a vivid example to illustrate the sharp, brief sense.
- Notice how it pairs with questions, teasers, or surprising images.
- Compare with synonyms like stimulate, arouse, provoke, but note weaker/stronger nuances.
- Review the etymology to remember the prick metaphor.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'pique'?
A.A feeling of anger
B.A sudden feeling of annoyance
C.A feeling of irritation
D.A feeling of resentment
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'pique' correctly?
A.She tried to pique his anger by teasing him.
B.His rude comment piqued my interest in the topic.
C.The news of her promotion piqued her to quit her job.
D.The success of her rival piqued her satisfaction.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is an antonym of 'pique'?
A.Enrage
B.Placate
C.Incense
D.Infuriate
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context might you experience 'pique'?
A.In a friendly conversation with a colleague
B.Being told you did not get a well-deserved promotion
C.While waiting in a long line at the grocery store
D.Reading a captivating mystery novel
Step 5: Mastery
Reflect on a time when your curiosity was piqued by something.
A.A movie trailer
B.A piece of news
C.A new hobby
D.A challenging puzzle
Related Listening
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