Acerbate: meaning, definitions and examples
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acerbate
[ˈæs.ər.beɪt ]
Definition
to make worse
To acerbate means to make a situation or feeling more aggravating or severe. It is often used in contexts where emotions, tensions, or conditions are heightened due to unforeseen circumstances or actions. When one acerbate's a situation, they intensify the issues involved rather than resolve them. In relationships, for example, an individual might acerbate conflicts by introducing blame or anger instead of seeking a peaceful solution.
Synonyms
aggravate, exacerbate, intensify.
Examples of usage
- His comments only served to acerbate the disagreement.
- The new policy will likely acerbate the current challenges faced by the team.
- She didn't mean to acerbate the situation, but her words struck a nerve.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'acerbatus', meaning 'sour' or 'harsh', indicating something that causes discomfort.
- Related words like 'acerbic' and 'acerbity' share the same root, emphasizing a sharpness in tone or attitude.
- It was first used in English around the 14th century, highlighting a long history of describing unpleasant expressions.
Psychology
- Harsh criticism can lead to increased anxiety and lowered self-esteem, showing the psychological effects of acerbating interactions.
- People often use acerbic comments as a defense mechanism to mask their insecurities.
- Research suggests that individuals who frequently use acerbic language may struggle with underlying emotional issues.
Literature
- Prominent authors, like Oscar Wilde, often utilized acerbate expressions to highlight societal shortcomings and provoke thought.
- In novels, characters who use acerbic language are typically portrayed as witty yet deeply flawed, reflecting their inner turmoil.
- Poets sometimes play with the concept of acerbation to explore themes of love and regret, using sharp words to convey strong emotions.
Social Dynamics
- Acerbating comments in a group can create a hostile environment and may lead to conflict among team members.
- Understanding the impact of acerbic remarks is vital for effective communication and maintaining healthy relationships.
- In many cultures, acerbic wit is viewed as a sign of intelligence, while in others, it may be frowned upon as disrespectful.
Pop Culture
- Television shows like 'The Office' often feature acerbic characters whose humor is rooted in their sharp tongues.
- Acerbate expressions are common in stand-up comedy, where performing artists use exaggerated critiques to entertain and challenge audiences.
- Many iconic movie villains use acerbic dialogue to emphasize their cold and calculating nature, making them memorable.
Translations
Translations of the word "acerbate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 acerbar
- agravar
- exacerbar
🇮🇳 खराब करना
- बढ़ाना
- उग्र करना
🇩🇪 verschärfen
🇮🇩 memperburuk
🇺🇦 погіршувати
🇵🇱 pogarszać
🇯🇵 悪化させる
🇫🇷 aggraver
🇪🇸 agudizar
- agravar
- exacerbar
🇹🇷 kötüleştirmek
🇰🇷 악화시키다
🇸🇦 تفاقم
🇨🇿 zhoršit
🇸🇰 zhoršiť
🇨🇳 加剧
🇸🇮 poslabšati
🇮🇸 versna
🇰🇿 қиындату
🇬🇪 გაუარესი
🇦🇿 pisləşdirmək
🇲🇽 agudizar
- agravar
- exacerbar
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,221, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.