exasperate
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “exasperate” mean?
verb.to irritate intensely; to infuriate.
SAT Usage
the term is typically found in passages discussing interpersonal relationships or conflicts. It emphasizes a sense of irritation or frustration caused by repeated actions or circumstances, distinguishing it from similar words like "annoy," which may not convey the same intensity of aggravation.
Common Confusions
Exasperate implies a deep, intense irritation that can lead to frustration, while annoy usually suggests a milder form of irritation that may not provoke strong emotional responses.
Do not choose exasperate if the context emphasizes calmness or patience rather than the irritation or infuriation of someone.
Example Sentences
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The constant delays began to exasperate even the most patient riders.
Word Parts: How to Remember “exasperate”
Break “exasperate” into its parts: ex- (out of, from). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ex-out of, from (Latin)