English vocabulary · C1
Aggravate
/ˈæɡrəˌveɪt/ · v.
To aggravate a problem is to make it worse. It adds more trouble instead of helping.
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Example sentences
- Extra weight aggravated the weak shelf.
- By shouting, Mia aggravated the customer.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- ag — to (from Latin)
- grav — heavy (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- WORSEN — make less good (Make More Bad)
- INTENSIFY — increase in strength (Make Much Stronger)
- IRRITATE — cause anger (Make Someone Annoyed)
Words with the same root
grav — heavy
- gravity — the force that pulls things down
- grave — very serious
- gravitate — move toward something
Lesson notes
To aggravate a problem is to make it worse. It adds more trouble instead of helping.
Related: worsen, intensify, irritate. Use aggravate when one action makes a problem worse.
Extra weight aggravated the weak shelf. By shouting, Mia aggravated the customer.
From Latin. Ag- means to. Grav- means heavy. Add heavy weight to a bad problem. That is aggravate.