Understanding the difference between these commonly confused words
make a problem worse
Example:
"The sanctions aggravated the economic crisis."
Synonyms:
A commonly used word in English vocabulary. Check our dictionary for the complete definition.
Use Aggravate when you need to make a problem worse. It is most commonly used in contexts where the action or state being described aligns with this definition.
Use Irritate when you need to express this particular meaning. This word is appropriate in situations where the context matches its specific meaning.
Remember: Aggravate typically relates to the first definition, while Irritate relates to the second. Think of the context and meaning you want to convey, and choose accordingly.
Using Aggravate: The sanctions aggravated the economic crisis.
Using Irritate: The irritate was evident in the outcome.