goading: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; used in written analysis and descriptive speech more than casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “goading” mean?
The action of persistently provoking, annoying, or stimulating someone to act.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of persistently provoking, annoying, or stimulating someone to act.
A form of psychological pressure intended to elicit a reaction, often used metaphorically for persistent criticism or teasing that wears down resistance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage and frequency are similar.
Connotations
Slightly more literary or formal in both variants.
Frequency
Low frequency in casual speech; more common in written narrative, journalism, or psychological discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “goading” in a Sentence
Subject + verb (respond/yield) + to + the goading + of + agentThe goading + verb (led to/caused) + reactionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goading” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He finally snapped after his brother kept goading him about the lost match.
American English
- She was tired of her colleagues goading her into taking on extra work.
adverb
British English
- He asked goadingly whether she was afraid to try.
American English
- She smiled goadingly, waiting for him to lose his temper.
adjective
British English
- His goading remarks were designed to provoke a reaction.
American English
- She used a goading tone of voice to challenge his authority.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe persistent pressure from competitors or aggressive management tactics.
Academic
Used in psychology, sociology, and literary analysis to describe coercive social dynamics.
Everyday
Used to describe nagging, teasing, or someone deliberately trying to get a rise out of another.
Technical
Not typically a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “goading”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “goading”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goading”
- Using it as a synonym for simple 'encouragement' (missing the negative, irritating aspect).
- Confusing 'goading' (action/process) with 'goad' (the tool or instance).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'goading' implies a deliberate intent to provoke or stimulate a reaction.
Rarely. It typically has a negative connotation of irritation or manipulation. Weaker synonyms like 'encouragement' or 'motivating' are used for positive contexts.
Teasing can be playful and light-hearted. Goading is more persistent, targeted, and aims to elicit a specific (often angry or defensive) reaction.
It is not an everyday, high-frequency word. It is more common in descriptive writing and analysis than in casual conversation.
The action of persistently provoking, annoying, or stimulating someone to act.
Goading is usually formal to neutral; used in written analysis and descriptive speech more than casual conversation. in register.
Goading: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊ.dɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊ.dɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a red rag to a bull (describes the effect of goading)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GOAT being poked with a stick to move - GOADing is like poking someone mentally.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROVOCATION IS A PHYSICAL PROD (poking with a stick).
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best exemplifies 'goading'?