Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. AGGRAVATE
intensify
Finding the Appropriate Synonym for AGGRAVATE
Understanding synonyms is an important part of improving vocabulary for various exams. A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.
Understanding the Word AGGRAVATE
The word AGGRAVATE typically means to make a problem, injury, or offense worse or more serious. It implies an increase in severity or intensity, usually of something negative.
Let's examine the given options to find the most appropriate synonym for AGGRAVATE.
Analyzing the Options
We need to look at the meaning of each option word and compare it to the meaning of AGGRAVATE.
| Option | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | influence | To affect the way someone thinks or behaves, or to affect the way something develops. |
| 2 | illustrate | To explain or make clear using examples, charts, etc., or to provide pictures for a book. |
| 3 | intensify | To make something stronger or more extreme. |
| 4 | illuminate | To light something up, or to help to explain something. |
Comparing Meanings: AGGRAVATE vs. Options
- AGGRAVATE vs. influence: 'Influence' means to affect, not necessarily to make worse. These words are not synonyms.
- AGGRAVATE vs. illustrate: 'Illustrate' means to explain or show, which is very different from making something worse. These words are not synonyms.
- AGGRAVATE vs. intensify: 'Intensify' means to make something stronger or more extreme. This closely matches the meaning of making a problem or situation worse or more serious, which is what AGGRAVATE does. While 'intensify' can apply to positive or negative things, when used in context similar to 'aggravate', it serves as a strong synonym. For example, 'The argument intensified' is similar to 'The argument aggravated the tension'.
- AGGRAVATE vs. illuminate: 'Illuminate' means to light up or explain. This has no relation to making something worse. These words are not synonyms.
Conclusion: Identifying the Synonym
Based on the analysis of the meanings, the word that most closely matches the meaning of AGGRAVATE (to make worse or more serious) is intensify (to make stronger or more extreme).Revision Table: Vocabulary and Synonyms
| Word | Meaning | Synonyms (Examples) | Antonyms (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGGRAVATE | To make a problem or bad situation worse. | Worsen, exacerbate, intensify, inflame. | Alleviate, ease, relieve, improve. |
| Influence | The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. | Impact, effect, control, sway. | Incapacity, weakness, ineffectualness. |
| Illustrate | To provide with pictures, or to explain or make something clear by using examples, charts, pictures, etc. | Explain, clarify, demonstrate, depict. | Obscure, confuse, hide. |
| Intensify | To make or become more intense. | Strengthen, escalate, heighten, deepen, worsen (in some contexts). | Decrease, reduce, weaken, diminish. |
| Illuminate | To light up; also, to help to explain. | Light, brighten, clarify, explain, enlighten. | Darken, obscure, confuse. |
Additional Information on Synonyms and Vocabulary Building
Learning synonyms is a great way to expand your vocabulary and improve your language skills. Here are a few tips:
- Read widely: Encountering words in different contexts helps you understand their nuances.
- Use a thesaurus: A thesaurus provides lists of synonyms and antonyms. However, always check the meaning of the suggested words to ensure they fit the specific context you need.
- Context is key: The best synonym for a word often depends on how the word is used in a sentence.
- Practice using new words: Try incorporating new synonyms into your writing and speaking.
For the word AGGRAVATE, while 'intensify' is the closest synonym among the options, other words like 'worsen' or 'exacerbate' are also very strong synonyms commonly used in similar contexts, particularly when referring to negative situations like pain, problems, or conflict. The choice of synonym often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
He had the audacity to blame him.
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
All mortal elements are impermanent.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.
