exacerbate

exacerbate — verb

1. to increase the severity or intensity of a problem, illness, or negative conditi

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to increase the severity or intensity of a problem, illness, or negative condition that already exists

例句

The severe drought exacerbated the region's water shortage.

exacerbate + noun phrase for a problem

Rafael's constant criticism only exacerbated the tension between them.

同義詞
  • worsen

    the most direct equivalent; less formal and more common in everyday speech

  • aggravate

    similar formality; often used for personal irritation as well as problems

  • intensify

    can be neutral or negative, broader in application

  • compound

    suggests adding a new element that makes an existing problem more complex

反義詞
  • alleviate

    formal opposite, meaning to make less severe

  • mitigate

    formal, often used in legal and policy contexts, meaning to reduce severity

  • improve

    general opposite, less formal

文法句型

exacerbate + noun phrase

用法筆記

Common in formal writing and academic contexts, particularly when discussing problems, conflicts, or medical conditions. The object is always something negative that already exists — you cannot use 'exacerbate' with a neutral or positive situation.

常見錯誤

❌He exacerbated his achievements to impress his boss.
✅He exaggerated his achievements to impress his boss.
💡'exacerbate' means to make a problem worse, not to overstate something.