Aggravate
Verb
Definition: To make a problem, situation, or condition worse.
Synonyms: Worsen, Exacerbate, Escalate
Antonyms: Alleviate, Improve, Ameliorate
- Yelling at someone will only aggravate the situation.
- The loud music aggravated my headache.
- "Aggravate" sounds like "aggravation," which means annoyance or irritation. Thus, aggravating something is like adding more annoyance or irritation to it.
- Think of the word "aggravate" as "aggravate" or "aggrav-eight," where the "eight" represents intensifying or amplifying something.
Etymology:
The word "aggravate" originated from the Latin word "aggravare" which means "to make heavier or burdened." The word was then introduced into English in the early 16th century.
Historical Usage:The usage of "aggravate" has remained relatively consistent throughout history, referring to the action of making something worse or more burdensome.
Related Idioms:
"Aggravate the situation"
Explanation:This phrase refers to making a difficult or tense situation even more challenging or complicated.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "aggravate" with "irritate" as they are similar in meaning.
Explanation:While "aggravate" and "irritate" both imply bothering or causing annoyance, "aggravate" specifically refers to making a situation or problem worse. "Irritate" primarily refers to causing annoyance or provoking.