Exasperated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exasperated

[ษชษกหˆzรฆspษ™reษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or showing intense irritation or annoyance

Exasperated is used to describe someone who is extremely irritated, frustrated, or annoyed. It implies a sense of exasperation that has built up over time, often due to repeated annoyances or frustrations.

Synonyms

aggravated, annoyed, frustrated, irritated.

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Word Description / Examples
exasperated

When someone feels very frustrated and out of patience, often after repeated unsuccessful attempts or when dealing with an ongoing issue.

  • She felt exasperated after explaining the problem for the fifth time with no resolution
irritated

Refers to a state of being slightly angry or impatient, usually because of minor annoyances.

  • She became irritated when her colleague repeatedly interrupted her
annoyed

Used for mild to moderate irritation caused by small, often repeated disturbances or inconveniences.

  • She was annoyed by the constant buzzing of her phone during the meeting
frustrated

Describes a feeling of being blocked or hindered in achieving a goal, often leading to anger and helplessness.

  • He felt frustrated when his computer crashed right before the project deadline
aggravated

This is used when someone is repeatedly provoked or troubled by something, leading to a buildup of frustration or anger. It can have a negative connotation.

  • He was aggravated by his neighbor's loud music, which played late into the night

Examples of usage

  • She was exasperated by his constant lateness.
  • I could hear the exasperated tone in her voice as she tried to explain the situation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Emotional Psychology

  • Experiencing exasperation can lead to stress and anxiety, impacting both mental and physical health.
  • Many studies indicate that a feeling of being exasperated often stems from unmet expectations or repeated failures.
  • Individuals who frequently feel exasperated may exhibit signs of frustration, which can manifest in outbursts or withdrawal.

Pop Culture

  • In films and TV shows, characters often express exasperation humorously, highlighting relatable situations that frustrate everyone.
  • Comedic sketches often play on exasperated characters to create amusing scenarios, depicting everyday annoyances in an entertaining way.
  • Popular comic strips often feature characters who embody exasperation when faced with silly challenges, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Literature

  • In literature, exasperated characters are commonly used to express the theme of human frustration, often making them more relatable.
  • Classic novels often feature exasperated protagonists who struggle against societal norms or other characters, driving the plot forward.
  • The portrayal of exasperation can create humor, tension, or empathy in storytelling, allowing readers to connect deeply with characters.

Everyday Use

  • The term is often used in everyday conversation to describe situations where someone feels overwhelmed by persistent annoyances.
  • Common expressions like 'I'm exasperated with this situation' underline the shared human experience of dealing with frustrating circumstances.
  • It's a popular word among parents and teachers, often used to express their feelings when faced with repeated mistakes or chaos.

Origin of 'exasperated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'exasperated' comes from the Latin 'exasperare', meaning 'to irritate' or 'to make rough'.
  • The prefix 'ex-' in Latin means 'out of', and 'asperare' means 'to make harsh', highlighting a sense of intensity.
  • The term has been part of the English language since the late 14th century, originally referring to physical irritation.

The word 'exasperated' has its origins in the Latin word 'exasperatus', which means 'irritated'. It entered the English language in the mid-16th century and has been used to describe feelings of intense irritation or annoyance ever since. The prefix 'ex-' intensifies the meaning of 'asperate', which means 'to irritate', creating the strong emotion conveyed by 'exasperated'.


See also: exasperating, exasperatingly, exasperation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,845, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.