What does pique mean?
Pique is a word for both provoking a strong reaction and the reaction itself. As a verb, it usually means to arouse curiosity, interest, or irritation: a surprising announcement may pique an audience's curiosity, while an insensitive remark may pique someone's anger. As a noun, pique describes a state of irritation or offended pride, as in a politician who resigned in a fit of pique. It can also mean self-importance or an affront to someone's dignity. The word is most common in formal English and is especially associated with the phrase 'pique someone's interest' and 'pique someone's curiosity'. Although its meaning can sound forceful, it is broadly used and not restricted to a particular region.
To arouse or provoke a feeling of interest, curiosity, or irritation in someone.
"The unexplained message piqued her curiosity."
Common in formal usage, especially in the phrases 'pique interest' and 'pique curiosity'.
A feeling of irritation or wounded pride, especially a feeling of self-importance.
"He left in a fit of pique after being overlooked."
The sense involving self-importance is often used in the expression 'a fit of pique'.
The regular plural is used for separate instances or expressions of pique, though the word is relatively uncommon in plural form.
"The decision was driven by several personal piques."
Pique can mean the sting of wounded pride, but it can also be the spark that starts curiosity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pique come from?
The English word comes from the French piquer, meaning 'to prick' or 'to sting', which was originally associated with the sharp sensation of being pricked and later developed figurative meanings such as irritating or arousing. Its English noun use for a feeling of annoyance or wounded pride developed from the idea of a sharp, stinging emotional response.
Related word forms
How pique is actually used
The verb is formal and often appears in the expression 'pique someone's interest' or 'pique someone's curiosity'. As a noun, it can refer to a feeling of irritation or to conspicuous self-importance, often in the phrase 'a fit of pique'.
Easily confused with pique
A peak is the highest point of a mountain or the point when something reaches its greatest intensity, whereas a pique is a feeling of irritation or wounded pride.
To peek is to look briefly or secretly, while to pique is to provoke a feeling such as curiosity or irritation.