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 means to make a situation worse, think of exacerbating a problem.
- Exasperate means to irritate or annoy deeply, often related to personal feelings.
- Recall that exacerbate contains ace, suggesting excellence in worsening a situation.
- Exasperate starts like exhaust, as it can exhaust someone's patience.
- Exacerbate often pairs with issues, while exasperate pairs with emotions.
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