Words / C1

STIM-yool-ayt/ˈstɪmjuleɪt/

To stimulate is to encourage activity or interest: stimulate demand, stimulate discussion. Excite is stronger and more emotional; encourage is everyday. Stimulus is the noun (plural stimuli). Mix-up: simulate (copy conditions). Do not stimulate a forged passport.

Meaning

To encourage activity, growth, or interest.

Examples

• “Cheaper buses stimulated evening class attendance.”
• “Lower fares stimulated evening attendance without a new slogan.”
• “A stimulus package is economics; a stimulus in psychology is what the subject responds to.”

Good to know

Encourage activity/growth. Noun: stimulus (stimuli). Mix-up: simulate (imitate). Everyday: encourage. Stronger: excite.

Near in meaning

encourage

New