Meaning & Definition of word "Pique"
Pique
/piːk/
noun:
- 1. a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, especially to one's pride.
- Example: He left the meeting in a fit of pique after his ideas were dismissed.
verb:
- 1. to stimulate interest or curiosity.
- Example: The trailer for the movie did not pique my interest.
- 2. to feel irritation or resentment.
- Example: She was piqued by his rude comments.
Etymology
●French 'piquer', meaning 'to prick or sting'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
pique one's interest:
to attract interest or curiosity.
in a fit of pique:
in a state of irritation or annoyance.
Related Words
piqueable:
capable of being stimulated or provoked.
piquancy:
the quality of being pleasantly stimulating or exciting.
Slang Meanings of pique
Meaning: To get someone's attention in a playful manner.
● Example Sentence: He always knows how to pique my curiosity with his stories.
Meaning: To annoy or upset someone.
● Example Sentence: Don’t pique her; she’s already in a bad mood.