aggravating
UK[ˈæɡrəveɪtɪŋ]US[ˈæɡrəveɪtɪŋ]
adj
making a situation or condition worse or more severe.
adj
(informal) annoying or irritating.
Morpheme Breakdown
ag
grav
ating
ag
to, towards
grav
heavy, weighty
ating
Etymology
the word 'aggravating' originates from the latin verb 'aggravare', meaning 'to make heavier'. this verb is a compound of the prefix 'ad-' (to, towards) and the root 'gravis' (heavy). the literal sense of 'adding weight to' a situation evolved metaphorically in late middle english to mean 'to make more serious or severe'. the modern informal sense of 'annoying' developed in the 18th century, extending the idea of making a burden or irritation feel 'heavier'.
Analysis
Structure: ag + grav + ating
ag- (latin, ad-, prefix meaning 'to, towards'); grav (latin, gravis, root meaning 'heavy, weighty'); -ating (english, present participle suffix forming adjectives from verbs).
Examples
the lack of rain is aggravating the water shortage crisis.
his constant interruptions during the meeting were incredibly aggravating.
applying pressure might have an aggravating effect on the injury.