Definitions and Examples of aggravate, worsen
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To make a problem or situation worse or more severe.
Example
His constant complaints only served to aggravate the situation.
To become or make something worse in quality, value, or condition.
Example
The weather forecast predicts that the storm will worsen over the next few hours.
Key Differences: aggravate vs worsen
- 1Aggravate implies making a problem or situation worse by adding to it or intensifying it.
- 2Worsen implies a decline in quality, value, or condition, leading to a negative outcome.
- 3Relieve implies a positive or alleviating effect on a situation, often by reducing or removing a problem or discomfort.
Effective Usage of aggravate, worsen
- 1Healthcare: Use relieve to describe the easing of symptoms or pain.
- 2Conflict Resolution: Use aggravate and worsen to describe actions that escalate conflicts or make them worse.
- 3Problem-Solving: Use relieve to describe solutions that alleviate problems or discomforts.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Aggravate implies intensifying a problem or situation, worsen implies a decline in quality or condition, and relieve implies a positive or alleviating effect. Use these words in healthcare to describe the easing of symptoms or pain, in conflict resolution to describe actions that escalate conflicts or make them worse, and in problem-solving to describe solutions that alleviate problems or discomforts.
