Definition

To make a situation worse or to annoy someone more than before.

Example

His constant complaints only served to aggravate the situation.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I don't understand why he keeps doing that; it really aggravates me.

Yeah, I can see how it would be frustrating.

I just wish he would think before he acts, it makes everything worse.

Totally, sometimes people just don’t realize how their actions can aggravate others.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Aggravate is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "gravare" (meaning to make heavy or burden). The word describes the act of making a situation heavier or more serious, thus intensifying it.

Memory Tip

Think of 'making something heavier' — 'ad-' means to, and 'gravare' means to make heavy. This helps you remember that to aggravate means to make a situation worse.

Visually Confused Words