Aggravate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
aggravate
[หรฆษก.rษ.veษชt ]
Definitions
in a negative way
To make a situation or problem worse, especially by making someone feel angry or annoyed.
Synonyms
annoy, exasperate, irritate, provoke.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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aggravate |
Generally used to describe making a situation worse or increasing the severity of something negative, often relating to problems or conditions.
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irritate |
Often used for things that cause a physical or emotional discomfort. It implies a continuous and bothersome feeling.
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provoke |
Usually used to describe actions that deliberately cause a strong emotional response, particularly anger or annoyance.
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annoy |
Used when someone or something causes mild irritation or bothers someone to a lesser degree. It does not usually imply something extremely severe.
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exasperate |
Describes actions or situations that cause intense irritation and frustration, often leading to anger. It is usually more intense than merely annoying.
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Examples of usage
- His rude comments only served to aggravate an already tense situation.
- The noise from the construction site aggravated her headache even more.
medical
To make a medical condition worse or more severe.
Synonyms
complicate, exacerbate, worsen.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
aggravate |
Use when talking about making a situation or condition worse, often through irritation or annoyance. It can refer to both physical conditions and emotional states, and sometimes it carries a negative tone.
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exacerbate |
Use in more formal or serious contexts when describing actions or factors that make a problematic situation or condition significantly worse. This word often appears in medical, economic, or environmental issues.
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worsen |
Use when simply referring to a situation or condition becoming worse. This word is neutral and straightforward, without the additional connotations of irritation or complexity.
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complicate |
Use when referring to making a situation more difficult or complex, often through adding additional elements or factors. It does not necessarily have a negative connotation but highlights an increase in difficulty.
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Examples of usage
- Lack of sleep can aggravate existing health issues.
- Smoking can aggravate respiratory problems.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research indicates that being consistently aggravated can lead to elevated stress levels, impacting mental health.
- People often resort to coping strategies, like humor or distraction, to manage feelings of aggravation.
- Understanding triggers that aggravate individuals can be key in conflict resolution and improving communication.
Pop Culture
- In cartoons, characters often display exaggerated reactions to aggravating situations, highlighting the humorous side of frustration.
- Popular songs sometimes explore themes of aggravation and annoyance, resonating with listenersโ personal experiences.
- Television shows frequently use characters who are always agitated to add comedic tension.
Literature
- Many literary works feature characters whose aggravations lead to pivotal plot developments, illustrating human emotion.
- Classic novels often delve into the reasons behind a character's aggravation, exploring deep psychological insights.
- The theme of aggravation is common in comedies, where misunderstandings lead to witty exchanges and humorous outcomes.
Science
- Studies have found that certain noises, like loud sirens or repetitive sounds, can aggravate stress responses in humans.
- Environmental factors, such as overcrowding or pollution, have been shown to aggravate health issues in urban populations.
- Understanding how aggravation affects behavior can help in designing better public spaces and reducing conflict.
Origin of 'aggravate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'aggravare', which means 'to make heavy' or 'to burden', blending 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'gravis' meaning 'heavy'.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally used in a legal context to describe making a crime worse.
- Over time, the meaning shifted to include causing annoyance or irritation.
The word 'aggravate' originated from the Latin word 'aggravฤtus', which means 'to make heavier'. In English, the word initially meant 'to make heavy or burdensome'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the sense of making a situation or problem worse, especially by making someone feel angry or annoyed. The use of 'aggravate' in a medical context to describe the worsening of a condition also developed later.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #16,726, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
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- 16723 notations
- 16724 remunerative
- 16725 unkind
- 16726 aggravate
- 16727 encircling
- 16728 contemplative
- 16729 outrages
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