What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
escalate
Example
The argument between the two coworkers escalated quickly, resulting in a physical altercation. [escalated: past tense]
Example
The tension between the two countries continued to escalate, leading to a full-blown war. [escalating: present participle]
aggravate
Example
The loud music from the party next door aggravated my headache. [aggravated: past tense]
Example
His constant complaining only served to aggravate the situation further. [aggravate: verb]
Example
Eating spicy food can aggravate acid reflux symptoms. [aggravate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Aggravate is more commonly used than escalate in everyday language. Aggravate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while escalate is less common and often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between escalate and aggravate?
Both escalate and aggravate can be used in formal or informal contexts, but escalate may be more commonly used in formal writing or news reporting due to its association with conflicts or dangerous situations.
