Aggravated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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aggravated
[ˈæɡrəˌveɪtɪd ]
Definitions
feeling
Feeling very annoyed or angry, especially because of something that someone has done. To make a situation worse or more serious.
Synonyms
annoyed, exasperated, irritated.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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aggravated |
Use this word when someone is feeling very frustrated or angry about a situation, often due to ongoing problems or provocations. It can also refer to a crime that becomes more severe because of certain circumstances.
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annoyed |
This word describes a mildly negative feeling of being bothered or disrupted by something or someone. It's less intense than feeling aggravated.
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irritated |
This word indicates a feeling of discomfort or slight anger caused by something that is problematic or persistently annoying. It is similar to annoyed but can also refer to a physical sensation.
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exasperated |
Use this word when expressing an intense feeling of frustration, typically after repeated annoyances or failures. It indicates being at the end of one's patience.
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Examples of usage
- She was aggravated by his rude behavior.
- The noise from the construction work only aggravated her headache further.
law
To make a crime or bad situation worse or more serious by causing anger or hatred.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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aggravated |
Indicates a person becoming more annoyed or upset, often because of ongoing frustration. This usage has a negative connotation.
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exacerbate |
Used when referring to making a problem, situation, or feeling worse or more severe. It is often utilized in formal or academic settings.
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worsen |
A more general term for when something deteriorates or declines in quality, condition, or intensity. It is suitable for everyday use.
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escalate |
Describes a situation that is growing in seriousness or intensity, often relating to conflicts, problems, or costs. It suggests a progression to a higher level.
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Examples of usage
- His aggressive behavior only aggravated the judge's decision.
- The defendant's attempt to intimidate the witness aggravated the case.
medical
Having been made worse by the addition of something harmful.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
aggravated |
This word is generally used to describe a situation or condition that has become worse, especially due to someone or something making it worse. It can also be used in a legal context to describe a crime that has been made more serious.
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exacerbated |
It is usually employed in formal writing or speech to indicate that a problem, condition, or negative situation has become worse due to specific actions or factors, often human-induced. It suggests a significant worsening.
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worsened |
This is a more general term that refers to any situation, condition, or problem that has declined in quality, performance, or condition. It is a straightforward word without specific connotations.
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Examples of usage
- The patient's condition became aggravated after the incorrect medication was administered.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- When someone feels aggravated, their stress levels can increase, often leading to frustration.
- Emotional responses, including aggravation, can be influenced by past experiences or sensitivity to particular situations.
- Research suggests that prolonged aggravation can lead to negative health effects, such as increased anxiety and cardiovascular issues.
Language Usage
- In legal contexts, 'aggravated' often refers to a crime that is considered more serious due to certain factors, like intent.
- Many people confuse 'aggravate' with 'irritate', but 'aggravate' implies an intensification of the condition.
- The distinction in usage is important; 'aggravate' often carries a connotation of escalation.
Pop Culture
- The term 'aggravated assault' is widely recognized in law enforcement and media, showcasing its serious implications.
- Comedians often use the term to describe everyday annoyances, highlighting its relatability in modern life.
- Social media has amplified the use of 'aggravated' to express common frustrations, making it a part of daily vernacular.
Origin of 'aggravated'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'aggravate' comes from the Latin 'aggravare', which means to make heavier or worse.
- 'Aggravate' was first used in English in the late 14th century, originally meaning to intensify or worsen.
- In the 19th century, 'aggravate' increasingly took on a colloquial meaning related to annoyance.
The word 'aggravate' comes from the Latin word 'aggravare', which means 'to make heavier or more serious'. It entered the English language in the early 16th century with the meaning of 'make worse or more serious'. Over time, 'aggravate' has come to be commonly used to describe situations where something is made more difficult or severe. It is often used in contexts of annoyance, anger, or making a bad situation even worse.
See also: aggravating, aggravatingly, aggravation, aggravator.