Misused Entry 33 / 1011 60-second read

Aggravate vs. Irritate

Aggravate" means to make worse; "irritate" means to annoy.

The comparisoni

✗ Wrong

Stop aggravating me with that noise. That aggravates the situation.

✓ Correct

Stop irritating me with that noise. That aggravates the situation.

The ruleii

Aggravate = worsen.

"Aggravate" is often used when "irritate" is meant.

Memory aidiii

Remember it like this

Aggravate = worsen. Irritate = annoy.

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