aggravate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
aggravate Word Meanings
- to make a situation worse
- to annoy or irritate someone
- to intensify a problem
aggravate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
aggravate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈæɡ.rə.veɪt/
US
/ˈæɡ.rə.veɪt/
aggravate Word Etymology
aggravate = ad- (to/toward) + gravis (heavy); Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English; Memory image: Imagine someone carrying a heavy load who keeps adding more to it, making it harder to bear.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Aggravate means to make a situation or problem worse, to irritate someone, or to intensify a difficulty. It can describe how stress, delays, or poor decisions aggravate an already tense scenario. In everyday use, a speaker might say that additional delays aggravated the conflict, or that sarcasm aggravated an argument. It often implies that a change has worsened an existing condition rather than simply continuing it. This verb carries a stronger sense than "worsen" when there is an intentional or reactive element, and it frequently appears with phrases like aggravate a problem, aggravating circumstances, and factors that aggravate symptoms. Be careful not to confuse it with "exacerbate" in formal writing, which is more neutral but also stronger.
Usage Reminders
- - Remember it implies making things worse, not just causing annoyance.
- - Use with nouns like a situation, a problem, or circumstances.
- - Common collocations: aggravate a problem, aggravating circumstances.
- - Distinguish from annoy/irritate: aggravate is about worsening, not mere irritation.
- - In formal writing, consider exacerbate for a neutral, stronger sense.
Common Misconceptions
- It means simply annoying someone, not worsening a situation
- It can only refer to people, not things
- It is the same as worsen in every context
- It should be used for minor problems
- It cannot be paired with neutral nouns
Thinking Differences
English speakers often contrast aggravate with worsen by focusing on who or what causes the worsening (external factors or actions). Learners should watch for strong, sometimes emotional connotations and prefer exacerbate in more neutral, formal contexts.
Learning Tips
- Practice with a problem-solution structure: identify how adding a factor worsens it.
- Note subtle emotional nuance when aggravating a person vs a problem.
- Pair with common collocations: aggravate a problem, aggravating circumstances.
- Differentiate from annoy/irritate to avoid miscommunication.
- Use exacerbate in formal writing for neutrality.
- Listen for active vs passive causation in sentences.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'aggravate' mean?
A.Make worse
B.Make better
C.Stay the same
D.Disappear
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'aggravate' correctly?
A.She tried to calm him down to aggravate the situation.
B.The medicine helped to aggravate his pain.
C.His apology really aggravated her.
D.The teacher's kind words aggravated the students.
Step 3: Similar Words
Choose the synonym for 'aggravate':
A.Irritate
B.Soothe
C.Improve
D.Humble
Step 4: Opposite Words
Choose the opposite of 'aggravate':
A.Alleviate
B.Agitate
C.Magnify
D.Exacerbate
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation would aggravate be a suitable word?
A.Relaxing on the beach
B.Trying to make peace between two friends
C.Ignoring a loud noise
D.Arguing with someone and making the situation worse
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