Skip to main content

aggravateto make a problem or situation worse

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to make a problem or situation worse

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈæɡrəveɪt/

Example Sentences

  • Don't scratch the mosquito bite - it will only aggravate the itching!
  • My neighbor's karaoke sessions at 3 AM really aggravate me.
  • The traffic jam was aggravated by the parade of dancing penguins crossing the street.

aggravate

VERB

[/ˈæɡrəveɪt/]

to make a problem or situation worse

His loud complaints only aggravate the already tense waiting room.
💡 Concept

His loud complaints only aggravate the already tense waiting room.

Tried to navigate, but what I activate will aggravate!
🎵 Rhyme

Tried to navigate, but what I activate will aggravate!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈæɡrəveɪt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈæɡrəveɪt/

🌳Etymology

Prefixad--
Rootgrav
Suffix--ate

Origin

From Latin 'aggravare', composed of 'ad-' (to) and 'gravis' (heavy). The word originally meant 'to make heavier' and evolved to mean 'to make worse or more serious'.

Breakdown

ad- (to) + grav (heavy, from Latin gravis) + -ate (verb suffix) = aggravate

🎵Rhyme

navigateactivatevalidate
navigate
activate
validate

🔗Collocations

aggravate a situation
aggravate an injury
aggravate symptoms
severely aggravate
aggravate tensions

📝Examples

Don't scratch the mosquito bite - it will only aggravate the itching!

😄 Fun example

My neighbor's karaoke sessions at 3 AM really aggravate me.

😄 Fun example

The traffic jam was aggravated by the parade of dancing penguins crossing the street.

Stress can aggravate many health conditions.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

worsenintensifyexacerbateirritateannoy

Antonyms

improvealleviatesoothe

Related

aggravationgravityirritationdeteriorate

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.