Acerbated: meaning, definitions and examples

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acerbated

 

[əˈsɜːr.beɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

intensified situation

Acerbated is the past tense of the verb acerbate, which means to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. It is often used in contexts where someone's actions have compounded existing difficulties or discomforts. For example, if a manager's poor communication style acerbates team tensions, it suggests that the manager's behavior is aggravating an already problematic situation. The term carries a connotation of exacerbation, emphasizing increasing severity or bitterness.

Synonyms

aggravated, exacerbated, intensified.

Examples of usage

  • His comments only acerbated the already tense atmosphere.
  • The environmental policies acerbated the pollution issue.
  • Ignoring the complaints acerbated the workers' frustrations.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'acerbatus', which means to make sour or bitter.
  • The root 'acer' in Latin translates to sharp or bitter, linking it to strong, unpleasant sensations.
  • Its use in English dates back to the late 19th century, often describing relationships or feelings that have soured.

Psychology

  • In psychology, negative interactions often acerbated feelings can lead to increased stress and anxiety in relationships.
  • When a situation is acerbated emotionally, it can result in a cycle of negativity, making it harder to resolve conflicts.
  • Research suggests that unresolved issues can acerbated emotions, leading to long-term resentment.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore how misunderstandings can lead to acerbated relationships, often resulting in tragic outcomes.
  • Famous authors like Shakespeare have depicted characters whose bitter words acerbated their fates in dramatic ways.
  • In novels, an acerbated atmosphere can heighten tension, drawing readers into the emotional stakes of the narrative.

Culture

  • In many cultures, being acerbated in communication is viewed negatively, often leading to calls for more empathetic expressions.
  • Television dramas frequently portray acerbated conflicts as pivotal moments in character development.
  • Comedy shows often use acerbated sarcasm to create humor, showcasing how harsh words can also lead to laughter among friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "acerbated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agravado

🇮🇳 बिगड़ गया

🇩🇪 verschärft

🇮🇩 memperburuk

🇺🇦 погіршений

🇵🇱 zaostrzony

🇯🇵 悪化した

🇫🇷 aggravé

🇪🇸 agravado

🇹🇷 kötüleşmiş

🇰🇷 악화된

🇸🇦 تفاقم

🇨🇿 zhoršený

🇸🇰 zhoršený

🇨🇳 恶化的

🇸🇮 poslabšan

🇮🇸 versnað

🇰🇿 нашарлаған

🇬🇪 გაუარესებული

🇦🇿 pisləşmiş

🇲🇽 agravado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,807, 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.