Is ‘stimulate’ formal or informal?

What's the difference between ‘stimulate’ and ‘encourage’?

How is ‘stimulate’ different from ‘encourage’?

How do I use ‘stimulate’ in a sentence?

Can ‘stimulate’ be used for ideas and not just physical things?

Is ‘stimulate’ a common word?

Is ‘stimulate’ common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

stimulate

/ˈstɪmjʊleɪt/

IELTSAcademic

verb

to encourage activity or progress

Exercise stimulates blood flow.
The policy aims to stimulate new jobs.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: ‘stimulate’ suggests a stronger, more active push than ‘encourage’, and is more vivid than ‘promote’. Use it when the goal is to trigger action or reaction, rather than gentle support.

In other languages

Spanish: estimular
Japanese: 刺激する
Korean: 자극하다
Vietnamese: kích thích
Chinese: 刺激

Etymology

Not selected

Common phrases

stimulate growthstimulate the economystimulate intereststimulate discussion

Synonyms

motivate promote encourage drive spark

Frequently asked questions

Is ‘stimulate’ formal or informal?: Is ‘stimulate’ formal or informal?
What's the difference between ‘stimulate’ and ‘encourage’?: How is ‘stimulate’ different from ‘encourage’?
How do I use ‘stimulate’ in a sentence?: Can ‘stimulate’ be used for ideas and not just physical things?
Is ‘stimulate’ a common word?: Is ‘stimulate’ common in academic writing?