What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vex
Example
The loud music from the party next door vexed me all night. [vexed: past tense]
Example
It vexes me when people don't follow the rules. [vex: verb]
aggravate
Example
Don't aggravate the situation by getting angry. [aggravate: verb]
Example
His constant complaining only aggravates the problem. [aggravates: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Aggravate is more commonly used than vex in everyday language. Aggravate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vex is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vex and aggravate?
Vex is typically associated with a more formal tone, while aggravate is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
