Piqued Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/piːked/

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To arouse or stimulate emotions or interest; to make someone feel curious, intrigued, or intrigued.

Examples

The news story piqued my interest and I decided to read the whole article.
The chef’s innovative dish piqued the taste buds of the food critic.
After watching the trailer, the movie piqued my curiosity and I wanted to see it.
The intriguing plot twist piqued my attention and I couldn’t put the book down.
The new restaurant’s unique theme piqued my interest and I decided to give it a try.

Synonyms

Peak
Pique
Grip
Surprise

Antonyms

Bore
Disinterest
Disconnect

Etymology

The word “Piqued” has its origins in the 14th century, derived from the Latin “pico”, meaning “to prick” or “to pierce”. It initially referred to the act of pricking or piercing, and later evolved to mean “to arouse or stimulate”.

Usage Notes

To use the word “Piqued” correctly, make sure to consider the context in which it is used. It can be used as a verb or a noun, and it is essential to convey the idea of something sparking an emotional or intellectual response.

Cultural References

The phrase “Piqued interest” is often used in literature, film, and media to describe characters’ emotional responses to a particular subject or concept. For example, in the novel “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown, the protagonist’s curiosity is piqued by the discovery of a mysterious symbol.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Piqued curiosity” or “Piqued interest” are common idioms used to describe the act of arousing or stimulating emotional or intellectual response.

Related Words or Phrases

Words that are closely related in meaning or usage to “Piqued” include “Intrigue”, “Intriguing”, “Fascination”, and “Captivation”.

Collocations

Common word combinations with the term “Piqued” include “Piqued my interest”, “Piqued my curiosity”, or “Piqued my attention”.

Frequency of Use

The word “Piqued” is not as commonly used as other verbs or nouns, but it is still a widely recognized and accepted term in modern language.