exacerbate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
exacerbate Word Meanings
- to make a problem worse
- to intensify a negative feeling
- to aggravate an issue
exacerbate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
exacerbate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt/
US
/ɪɡˈzæs.ɚ.beɪt/
exacerbate Word Etymology
exacerbate = ex- (out) + acerbus (harsh) → Latin → Old French → English. Picture a caretaker pouring salt onto a wound, making the pain sharp and unbearable, illustrating how certain actions can exacerbate suffering.
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
Exacerbate means to make a problem, situation, or negative feeling worse by actions that increase its severity, intensity, or urgency. It suggests that the issue is already bad and that the response makes it more harmful rather than solving it. It often pairs with problems, tensions, symptoms, or emotions: for example, delaying repairs can exacerbate a leak; blaming others can exacerbate a conflict; stress can exacerbate existing health problems. The word tends to be more formal than everyday speech, where make things worse is common. It comes from Latin ex- (out) + acerbus (harsh), passed into English via Old French, and the imagery of salt on a wound is a vivid mnemonic for remembering the sense.
Usage Reminders
- Use for worsening, not improving. Often used with problems, situations, and feelings. Avoid confusing with exasperate, which means irritate. Common collocations: exacerbate a problem, exacerbate tension, exacerbate symptoms. Pair with verbs like worsen, intensify, or aggravate. Consider formality: more formal than 'make things worse'.
Common Misconceptions
- Exacerbate means to make something better.
- It only refers to physical problems, not emotions or conflicts.
- It can be used interchangeably with exasperate.
- It always implies intentional harm.
- It is a casual, everyday word rather than formal.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often map exacerbate to a clear cause-and-effect: one action worsens a preexisting problem. Learners tend to mix it with 'increase' or 'worsen' without the nuance that the action itself worsens, not just the outcome. Focus on collocations like exacerbate a problem or exacerbate tensions.
Learning Tips
- Link it to a concrete cause-and-effect scenario
- Practice with both problems and feelings
- Pair with make things worse in informal speech
- Notice false friends like exasperate and aggravate
- Use in formal writing to sound precise
- Mnemonic: ex- out + acerbus harsh = out harsh effects
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'exacerbate'?
A.To relax
B.To make worse
C.To praise
D.To forgive
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'exacerbate' correctly?
A.Their kind words exacerbated the problem further.
B.She tried to calm him down, but ended up exacerbating the situation.
C.He always knows how to exacerbate a good mood.
D.I decided to exacerbate and let go of the anger.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'exacerbate'?
A.Mitigate
B.Soothe
C.Assist
D.Aggravate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'exacerbate'?
A.Ameliorate
B.Intensify
C.Worsen
D.Escalate
Step 5: Mastery
How can stress exacerbate health issues?
A.By improving overall well-being
B.By reducing symptoms
C.By worsening existing conditions
D.By boosting immune system
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App