Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪɡˌzæspəˈreɪʃən/

Definitions

• A feeling of intense irritation or annoyance.
• The act of exasperating or causing frustration and anger.
• The state of being greatly annoyed or disturbed, typically due to a repeated action or event.

Usage Examples

• Her constant lateness was a source of exasperation for her colleagues.
• The exasperation on his face was evident after hours of trying to fix the issue.
• Their exasperation grew as the situation became increasingly difficult to resolve.

Etymology

The word "exasperation" comes from the Latin word "exasperatio," meaning "irritation" or "roughening." It evolved from the verb "exasperare," which means "to irritate" or "to make rough." The term entered the English language in the 16th century, and its meaning has remained closely tied to feelings of anger, frustration, and irritation ever since.

Synonyms

• Frustration
• Irritation
• Anger
• Annoyance
• Vexation

Antonyms

• Calm
• Peace
• Patience
• Contentment
• Satisfaction

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English: /ɪɡˌzæspəˈreɪʃən/ (with a clear enunciation of each syllable)
• In American English: /ɪɡˌzæspəˈreɪʃən/ (slightly faster with more fluid transitions)
• In Australian English: /ɪɡˌzæspəˈreɪʃən/ (with a more relaxed tone on the "a")

Historical Usage

The term "exasperation" has been in use since the late 16th century, derived from the verb "exasperate," which itself comes from the Latin word "exasperare." Initially, it referred to the physical act of roughening or making something more irritating. Over time, the meaning evolved to focus on emotional irritation and frustration. The word became commonly used in both literary and spoken English to describe intense feelings of anger or frustration that result from repeated annoyance or difficulty.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the experience of exasperation can be seen as either a personal failing or a socially acceptable emotional response to prolonged frustration. In some regions, exasperation may be viewed with a sense of humor, while in others it can lead to deeper social or professional consequences. The ways in which people express exasperation, whether through verbal expression or body language, also vary significantly across cultures. In some societies, maintaining a calm demeanor in the face of exasperation is seen as a sign of maturity, while in others, overt expressions of frustration are more commonly accepted.

More Information

Exasperation is a strong emotional response to persistent frustration or irritation, often leading to a sense of helplessness or exhaustion. It can result from a variety of sources, including ongoing personal conflicts, difficult work situations, or repeated failures to meet expectations. While it is a natural emotional reaction, chronic exasperation can lead to stress and even physical health problems if not managed. Techniques for managing exasperation include mindfulness, stress-relief practices, and effective communication strategies to address the underlying causes of frustration.