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Aggravate

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To make a problem, situation, or condition worse or more severe.
2. To irritate or annoy someone, often by repeated actions.
3. To intensify the negative effects of something.

History and Origin

The word “aggravate” comes from the Latin aggravare, meaning “to make heavier or more serious.” It is derived from ad- (toward) and gravis (heavy or serious). Initially, it was used in the sense of making something physically heavier, but over time, it evolved to mean making a situation worse or more intense.

Detailed Explanation

“Aggravate” is commonly used to describe worsening conditions, whether in health, emotions, or situations. For instance, an injury can be aggravated by excessive movement, or a conflict can be aggravated by harsh words. The word is also used informally to describe irritation or annoyance, such as when someone’s behavior aggravates another person. While some argue that using “aggravate” to mean “annoy” is incorrect, this usage has become widely accepted in modern English.

Example Sentences

1. His careless remarks only aggravated the tension in the room.
2. Scratching the rash will aggravate the irritation.
3. Loud music late at night aggravates the neighbors.
4. The doctor warned that running could aggravate his knee injury.
5. The lack of communication aggravated the misunderstanding between them.
6. Pollution aggravates respiratory diseases such as asthma.
7. The teacher’s strict rules aggravated some students.
8. His repeated interruptions aggravated everyone during the meeting.
9. The economic crisis was aggravated by poor government policies.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Worsen – To make something more severe or difficult.
2. Exacerbate – To intensify a problem or condition.
3. Irritate – To cause annoyance or discomfort.
4. Inflame – To provoke or make a situation worse.
5. Annoy – To bother or disturb someone repeatedly.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Deteriorate – To become worse over time.
2. Provoke – To cause a reaction, often negative.
3. Exasperate – To greatly irritate or anger someone.
4. Heighten – To increase the intensity of something.
5. Magnify – To make something appear more significant or severe.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Complicate – To make a situation more difficult to handle.
2. Intensify – To increase in force or severity.
3. Disturb – To interrupt or bother someone.
4. Infuriate – To make someone extremely angry.
5. Oppress – To burden someone with hardship or distress.

Antonyms

1. Alleviate
2. Ease
3. Soothe
4. Relieve
5. Mitigate