Master confusing words with ease
Exacerbate vs. Exasperate
Exacerbate
/ɪɡˈzasəbeɪt/Examples:
His actions only served to exacerbate the tense situation.The drought's impact was exacerbated by the government's inaction.Introducing the new policy might exacerbate existing issues.
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Antonyms:
Exasperate
/ɪɡˈzæspəreɪt/Examples:
The constant noise began to exasperate the neighbors.His tendency to interrupt would often exasperate his colleagues.She tried not to let the delay exasperate her as she waited.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Exacerbate refers to making something worse, often an existing problem, whereas exasperate is about annoying or irritating someone.
- Remember exacerbate with a for aggravate — both imply making something worse.
- Think of exasperate and exasperated expressions when someone is frustrated or annoyed.
- Exacerbate is often used with problems or situations, and exasperate is used regarding feelings or people.
- Exacerbate affects situations, while exasperate affects someone emotionally.
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