Definition

Causing annoyance or discomfort; related to irritation.

Example

The irritative effects of the loud noise made it hard to concentrate.

Conversation

Have you noticed how irritative that sound is when the construction starts early in the morning?

Oh, absolutely! It's so hard to concentrate with all that noise.

Right? I really hope they finish their work soon because it's becoming unbearable.

I agree! It's such an irritative way to start the day.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Irritative → It is formed from "irritare" (meaning to provoke or annoy) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "irritative" describes something that has the nature of provoking annoyance or irritation.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'provokes' ('irritare') annoyance — that's why 'irritative' means having the nature of causing irritation.

Visually Confused Words