aggravates Definition
to make a problem or situation worse, especially by making someone feel annoyed or angry.
Using aggravates: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "aggravates" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
His constant complaining aggravates me.
Example
The noise from the construction site is aggravating my headache.
Example
She knows how to aggravate her sister by teasing her.
aggravates Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with aggravates
aggravating circumstances
factors that make a crime more serious and deserving of a harsher punishment
Example
The judge took into account the aggravating circumstances when sentencing the defendant.
a circumstance that makes a situation more difficult or unpleasant
Example
The lack of communication was an aggravating factor in the team's failure to complete the project on time.
extremely slow and frustrating
Example
The internet connection was aggravatingly slow, making it impossible to get any work done.
Origins of aggravates
from Latin 'aggravare', meaning 'to make heavier'
Summary: aggravates in Brief
To 'aggravate' [ˈæɡrəveɪts] means to make a problem or situation worse, especially by making someone feel annoyed or angry. It can be used in phrases like 'aggravating circumstances,' which refer to factors that make a crime more serious, and 'aggravatingly slow,' which describes something that is extremely slow and frustrating. Synonyms include 'worsen,' 'exacerbate,' and 'irritate.'