Aggravate: Definition & Meaning for the SAT 😤
Salt in a cut. That's AGGRAVATE. Plus whether AGGRAVATE and IRRITATE should be used as synonyms.
ℹ️ Part of speech of aggravate
aggravate is a VERB.
🗣️ Pronunciation of aggravate
aggravate is pronounced /ˈæg.rə.veɪt/ or AG-ruh-vayt.
📚️ Definition of aggravate
aggravate means to make worse or more serious. Example: The lack of sleep will only aggravate your cold symptoms. It can also mean to irritate someone. Ex: aggravate the neighbors with noise.
📰 Examples
Here are some examples of aggravate:
The loud music only aggravated his already severe headache.
Climate change continues to aggravate the drought conditions in California's Central Valley.
Our doctor warned us that excessive screen time could aggravate existing eye strain problems.
🧠 Quick vocab quiz on aggravate and past SAT words
Test yourself!
1. To aggravate a situation most nearly means to
A) worsen
B) solve
C) ignore
D) celebrate
E) understand
2. Which situation best demonstrates something being aggravated?
A) Maria solved her math homework quickly and efficiently.
B) The rain flooded the basement, and then the power went out.
C) The children played quietly in the garden all afternoon.
D) Finley received an A on their chemistry final.
E) The sunset created beautiful colors across the sky.
3. Reticent most nearly means
A) boisterous
B) outgoing
C) friendly
D) reserved
E) aggressive
4. Evince most nearly means
A) hide
B) confuse
C) deny
D) reject
E) demonstrate
Scroll down for the answer/s.
💁🏼 Tips on using the word aggravate correctly
Controversial usage alert! Many people use aggravate to mean annoy or irritate, but purists want you to use it specifically to mean to make worse. Fun fact: The word aggravate comes from making something more "grave" or serious!
✅ Quiz answer/s
Answers:
A, worsen
B, The rainstorm flooded the basement, and then the power went out...
D, reserved
E, demonstrate
That's all for today's SAT word! Remember, things might aggravate your study schedule, but don't let them stop you from achieving your goals. Keep expanding that vocabulary, and I'll see you for the next SAT word tomorrow! 📚✨