C1noun2K

Stimulus

UK /["/ˈstɪmjələs/","/ˈstɪmjəlaɪ/"]/US /["/ˈstɪmjələs/","/ˈstɪmjəlaɪ/"]/

Definition

something that helps somebody/something to develop better or more quickly

In simple words: Something that causes a reaction or change.

Examples

  • The bright light served as a stimulus that caused the plant to grow towards it.
  • Economic stimulus packages are designed to boost spending during a recession.
  • The scientist observed how the stimulus triggered a quick response in the nervous system.
  • In psychology, a stimulus can refer to any object or event that elicits a sensory or behavioral response.
  • Government stimulus checks were sent to help people affected by the economic downturn.
  • The advertisement acted as a stimulus that attracted customers to the store.

Usage notes

Commonly used in science and psychology to describe factors that lead to responses. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing specific studies or theories.

Grammar pattern

stimulus + object

Memory hint

Think of 'stimulus' like 'stimulating' your senses to react.

Collocations

  • great
  • major
  • powerful
  • act as
  • give
  • provide
  • come from something
  • bill
  • package
  • plan
  • stimulus for
  • stimulus to
  • a response to a stimulus
  • great
  • major
  • powerful
  • act as
  • give
  • provide
  • come from something
  • bill
  • package
  • plan
  • stimulus for
  • stimulus to
  • a response to a stimulus

Synonyms

  • incentive
  • motivation
  • trigger
  • catalyst
  • provocation

Antonyms

  • inhibition
  • restraint

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'stimulation', which refers more to the act of exciting or invigorating.
  • Mistakenly pluralized as 'stimuli' in informal contexts.
  • Used incorrectly as a verb; 'stimulate' is the verb form.