Definitions and Examples of aggravate, provoke, incite
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To make a problem or situation worse, especially by making someone angry or annoyed.
Example
His constant interruptions only served to aggravate the already tense situation.
To deliberately make someone angry or annoyed, often by doing or saying something that upsets them.
Example
He knew that bringing up her ex-boyfriend would provoke her, but he did it anyway.
incite
To encourage or stir up violent or unlawful behavior, often for political reasons.
Example
The politician's speech was seen as an attempt to incite violence among his supporters.
Key Differences: aggravate vs provoke vs incite
- 1Aggravate refers to making a situation worse, especially by making someone angry or annoyed.
- 2Provoke means to deliberately make someone angry or annoyed, often by doing or saying something that upsets them.
- 3Incite is a more serious term that refers to encouraging or stirring up violent or unlawful behavior, often for political reasons.
Effective Usage of aggravate, provoke, incite
- 1Conflict Resolution: Use defuse to calm down a tense situation and prevent it from escalating.
- 2Political Discourse: Use aggravate, provoke, and incite to describe the actions of politicians or political movements.
- 3Writing: Utilize these antonyms in writing to create tension and conflict in stories.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Aggravate and provoke refer to making a situation worse or more intense, while incite is a more serious term that refers to encouraging violent or unlawful behavior. Use these words to describe political discourse, create tension in writing, or resolve conflicts by defusing tense situations.
