pique
C1Formal/Literary
Definition
Meaning
A sudden feeling of irritation, wounded pride, or resentment.
To provoke curiosity or interest; to stimulate (as a verb). Also, in textile, a closely woven ribbed fabric.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Noun sense is almost always preceded by a possessive pronoun ('her pique'). Verb sense for 'provoking curiosity' is more common than verb sense for 'annoying' in modern usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling identical. Both noun and verb senses used in both varieties. Slight preference for 'pique your interest' over 'pique your curiosity' in AmE.
Connotations
The noun often implies a petty, transient, or unjustified annoyance. In fabric context ('piqué'), term is more common in fashion/textile industries.
Frequency
Noun is relatively low-frequency in both. Verb in 'pique interest' is moderately common in formal writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[someone] piques [someone's interest/curiosity][someone] acts out of pique[possessive] pique at [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in a fit of pique”
- “do something out of pique”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in HR contexts describing interpersonal conflict ('her decision was motivated by pique').
Academic
Used in literary analysis, psychology, or history to describe character motivation or social dynamics.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. More likely in written narratives or careful speech.
Technical
In fashion/textiles: 'piqué cotton' describes a specific weave.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The cryptic headline was designed to pique the reader's curiosity.
- He resigned his position in a move that many believed was piqued by jealousy.
American English
- The trailer piqued my interest enough to buy a ticket.
- She was clearly piqued by the snub but said nothing.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adjective. See 'piqué' (fabric).
American English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adjective. See 'piqué' (fabric).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He left the meeting in a pique.
- The strange noise piqued my curiosity.
- Her sharp comment was born out of pique at being overlooked.
- The documentary's first few minutes are enough to pique anyone's interest in the subject.
- The minister's sudden resignation, reportedly in a fit of pique over the budget cuts, surprised his colleagues.
- Archaeologists hope the new discovery will pique renewed scholarly debate about the site's origins.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Peak' of anger. Your irritation PEAKS = PIQUE. Or: A PIQUE is a sharp, pointed feeling.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER/PRIDE IS A SHARP OBJECT (a prick, a sting). CURIOSITY IS A HOOK (to pique interest is to hook it).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'пик' (peak).
- Do not confuse with 'pick'.
- The fabric 'piqué' is unrelated to the emotional sense.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'peak' or 'peek'.
- Using 'pique' to mean 'peak' (e.g., 'pique performance').
- Incorrect pronunciation as /paɪk/ (like 'pike').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'pique' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Pique' comes from French 'piquer' (to prick, irritate). 'Picnic' and 'picket' have different etymologies.
Yes, but only as a verb meaning 'to stimulate.' 'Pique one's interest/curiosity' is a positive, stimulating action. The noun is almost always negative.
'Pique' is irritation or stimulation. 'Peak' is the top of a mountain or highest point. 'Peek' is a quick look. They are homophones but different words.
It is pronounced exactly like 'peak' (/piːk/). Never pronounced like 'pike' (/paɪk/).