What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aggravate
Example
Please don't aggravate the situation by arguing with him. [aggravate: verb]
Example
The constant noise from the construction site was aggravating. [aggravating: adjective]
Example
Eating spicy food can aggravate acid reflux. [aggravate: verb]
exacerbate
Example
The lack of rain will exacerbate the drought conditions. [exacerbate: verb]
Example
Stress can exacerbate symptoms of depression. [exacerbate: verb]
Example
His comments only served to exacerbate the already tense situation. [exacerbate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Aggravate is more commonly used in everyday language than exacerbate. Aggravate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while exacerbate is more technical and often used in specific fields such as medicine or conflict resolution.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between aggravate and exacerbate?
Exacerbate has a more formal and technical connotation than aggravate, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
