Aggravating
/ˈæɡrəveɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsExtremely annoying or irritating.
/ˈæɡrəveɪtɪŋ/
Causing annoyance or exasperation.
The traffic was aggravating.
💡 Simply: Really annoying.
More Examples
His constant complaining was aggravating.
How It's Used
"That constant dripping noise is incredibly aggravating."
To make (a situation, problem, or feeling) worse or more serious.
/ˈæɡrəveɪt/
To make (a problem, situation, or feeling) worse.
The bad weather aggravated the situation.
💡 Simply: To make something worse.
More Examples
His comments only aggravated the dispute.
How It's Used
"Scratching an insect bite can aggravate the inflammation."
From Middle English *aggravatinge*, from Old French *aggravant*, present participle of *aggraver* "to make worse," from Latin *aggravāre*, from *ad-* "to" + *gravis* "heavy."
The word's usage has remained consistent throughout history, mainly focusing on its negative connotations.
Memory tip
Think of 'grave' - something aggravating makes you feel weighed down with annoyance.
Word Origin
"to make heavier"