Stimulus

Definition

Stimulus refers to something that provokes or triggers a physiological, psychological, or social response.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈstɪmjələs/
• Respelling: STIM-yuh-luhs (with "STIM" as in "stimulate," "yuh" as a quick, soft sound like the 'u' in "cup," and "luhs" as in "lush")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈstɪmjʊləs/
• Respelling: STIM-yuh-luhs (similar to American English, with "STIM" as in "stimulate," "yuh" slightly rounded as in "put," and "luhs" like in "lush")

In both dialects, "stimulus" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "STIM." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly reflecting the word's structure and emphasis.

Etymology

The term "stimulus" is derived from Latin, where "stimulus" meant a goad or prod, used to urge livestock to move. This Latin term relates to the notion of provocation or incitement.

Derivatives

• Stimuli (plural)
• Stimulatory
• Stimulate
• Stimulation
• Stimulative

Synonyms

• Impetus
• Incentive
• Prompt

Antonyms

• Deterrent
• Hindrance
• Discouragement

Usage

A stimulus is widely used in various fields such as psychology, physiology, economics, and social sciences to denote an element or factor that elicits a response or encourages a certain action or behavior.

Related Terms

• Stimulate
• Stimulant
• Response
• Reactivity
• Stimulated Emission

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Physiological Stimulus: A thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.
• Example: Light is a stimulus for the sense of sight.

• Psychological Stimulus: Any object or event that it is naturally capable of arousing an organism to action by being received as a sensory impression.
• Example: The ringing bell was a stimulus for the conditioned dog to salivate.

• Economic Stimulus: Measures by the government to encourage economic growth, often in the form of tax cuts or spending.
• Example: The government issued a stimulus package to boost the economy during the recession.

• Social Stimulus: A factor that triggers or encourages social actions or interactions.
• Example: Effective communication serves as a stimulus for establishing strong social bonds.

• Educational Stimulus: Something that incites to action or exertion or quickens action, feeling, thought, etc.
• Example: The teacher used a variety of stimuli to engage the students and foster a love for learning.