Aggravate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aggravate

[หˆรฆษก.rษ™.veษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

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?

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Word Description / Examples
aggravate

Generally used to describe making a situation worse or increasing the severity of something negative, often relating to problems or conditions.

  • Scratching the rash will only aggravate it.
  • His lies aggravated the already tense situation.
irritate

Often used for things that cause a physical or emotional discomfort. It implies a continuous and bothersome feeling.

  • Wearing wool can irritate your skin.
  • The constant humming noise irritates me.
provoke

Usually used to describe actions that deliberately cause a strong emotional response, particularly anger or annoyance.

  • He was trying to provoke a reaction from her.
  • The rude comment provoked an outburst from the audience.
annoy

Used when someone or something causes mild irritation or bothers someone to a lesser degree. It does not usually imply something extremely severe.

  • The loud music from the neighbors starts to annoy me.
  • Repeatedly clicking a pen can annoy people around you.
exasperate

Describes actions or situations that cause intense irritation and frustration, often leading to anger. It is usually more intense than merely annoying.

  • Her constant lateness exasperates her colleagues.
  • The long delay at the airport exasperated the passengers.

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.
Context #2 | Verb

medical

To make a medical condition worse or more severe.

Synonyms

complicate, exacerbate, worsen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The loud construction noise aggravated her headache.
  • His constant complaints aggravated the whole team.
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.

  • His refusal to take medicine exacerbated his illness.
  • Climate change exacerbates natural disasters.
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.

  • Her symptoms began to worsen over time.
  • The relationship between the two countries worsened after the incident.
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.

  • Introducing new rules will complicate the project timeline.
  • Her unexpected visit complicated our plans for the evening.

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 'aggravฤtus', 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.