The spelling of the phrase "more piqued" is straightforward when one understands its pronunciation. The word "piqued" is pronounced as /piːkt/, with the final "d" being silent. Therefore, when forming the comparative degree, "more" is simply added before the adjective without any change in spelling. Hence, the correct spelling is exactly as it sounds: "more piqued" pronounced as /mɔːr piːkt/. The phrase means to be more irritated, annoyed or aggravated than before.
"More piqued" represents an intensified state or degree of being piqued. To pique is to provoke, stimulate, or arouse someone's interest, curiosity, or irritation. It is a verb that describes an action or sensation that causes an emotional or intellectual response. When someone becomes more piqued, they are experiencing an increased level of these emotions.
The word "more" in "more piqued" indicates a higher intensity, showing that the level of interest, curiosity, or irritation has escalated beyond its initial state. This intensification might result from a subsequent event, conversation, or observation that deepens or reinforces the emotion initially sparked. For example, if a person was mildly piqued by an intriguing book synopsis, reading the book and discovering further captivating aspects could leave them "more piqued."
Being more piqued often implies a heightened desire to seek further information or engage in debate or discussion about the subject matter that has stimulated the individual's interest or irritation. It suggests a desire for a greater understanding or resolution of the matter. Conversely, in the case of experiencing more irritation, it suggests a stronger urge to address or resolve the source of annoyance.
In summary, "more piqued" describes a heightened or intensified state of interest, curiosity, or irritation, indicating an increased emotional or intellectual response to a particular subject or stimulus.
The word "more piqued" consists of two separate words: "more" and "piqued".
1. More: The word "more" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled as "māra". This word evolved from the Proto-Germanic root "*maizon", which means "greater" or "larger". It can be traced back further to the Proto-Indo-European root "*meis-", indicating "big" or "great". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of "more" shifted, but its essential meaning as "additional" or "greater" remained intact.
2. Piqued: The word "piqued" comes from the Old French term "piquer", meaning "to prick" or "to sting". It originated from the Late Latin word "piccare", which carried the same sense of "to prick" or "to pierce".