Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪɡˈzæspəreɪt/

Definitions

• To irritate intensely or annoy to the point of frustration.
• To make a situation or person more difficult or aggravated.
• In medical terms, to worsen the condition or symptoms of something, such as a disease or injury.

Usage Examples

• Her constant complaining exasperated everyone in the room.
• The delay in the project’s completion only served to exasperate the clients further.
• His failure to meet deadlines seemed to exasperate his manager every week.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb 'exasperare,' meaning 'to make rough' or 'to irritate,' from 'ex-' meaning 'out of' and 'asperare' meaning 'to roughen' or 'make harsh.' The word first appeared in English in the 16th century with a meaning related to roughness or harshness.

Synonyms

• Irritate
• Annoy
• Infuriate
• Provoke
• Vex

Antonyms

• Calm
• Comfort
• Sooth
• Placate
• Appease

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English: /ɪɡˈzæspəreɪt/ (Emphasizing the first syllable)
• In American English: /ɪɡˈzæspəreɪt/ (Slightly softer 'z' sound)
• In Australian English: /ɪɡˈzæspəreɪt/ (More pronounced 'æ' in the first syllable)

Historical Usage

The term "exasperate" was first recorded in English in the early 16th century, derived from the Latin word 'exasperare' meaning 'to make rough' or 'to irritate.' Initially, it was used to describe the act of making a surface rougher, later extending to describe the act of intensifying anger or frustration. Over time, its usage has broadened, now encompassing both physical and emotional irritation, as well as making a situation worse.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, "exasperation" is often associated with intense, sometimes exaggerated frustration, particularly in situations where patience or tolerance has been tested beyond its limits. While the word itself is relatively neutral, the context in which it is used can carry a stronger emotional charge depending on the severity of the irritation. For example, in some cultures, exasperation can be seen as a loss of control, while in others, it may be viewed simply as a natural response to difficult circumstances.

More Information

The word "exasperate" has evolved from its literal meaning of making something rough or irritating to its figurative meaning of annoying or provoking someone to a heightened level of frustration. It is frequently used in both personal and professional contexts when describing situations that test one’s patience or tolerance. In communication, it can be used to describe the effect of someone’s actions or words in irritating another person, often leading to anger or upset. The use of this word continues to grow in both everyday language and formal discourse as an essential term for describing intense frustration or agitation.