worsen — to become worse or make something worse
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to become worse or make something worse
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwɜːrsən/
Example Sentences
- My cooking skills worsen every time my mom visits because I get nervous.
- The traffic jam will only worsen if we don't find alternative routes.
- His jokes worsen with age, but somehow they become funnier because they're so bad.
worsen
VERB[/ˈwɜːrsən/]
to become worse or make something worse
The patient's cough began to worsen through the night despite the medicine.
The person and basin both worsen.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'wyrsa' meaning 'worse,' combined with the causative suffix '-en' which creates a verb meaning 'to make or become.' The root traces back to Proto-Germanic origins related to 'worst.'
Breakdown
worse (adjective, comparative of bad) + -en (causative suffix making verbs) = worsen (to make worse or become worse)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cooking skills worsen every time my mom visits because I get nervous.”
“The traffic jam will only worsen if we don't find alternative routes.”
“His jokes worsen with age, but somehow they become funnier because they're so bad.”
“The economic situation continues to worsen despite government intervention.”
📚Related Words
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