exasperating
UK[ɪɡˈzɑːspəreɪtɪŋ]US[ɪɡˈzæspəreɪtɪŋ]
adj
extremely annoying or irritating; causing intense frustration.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
asper
ating
ex
out, thoroughly
asper
rough
ating
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
the word "exasperating" originates from the latin verb exasperare, which is a compound of the intensive prefix ex- (meaning "thoroughly") and the adjective asper (meaning "rough"). the literal sense was "to make thoroughly rough or harsh." this meaning evolved metaphorically in latin to signify "to irritate, provoke, or aggravate." entering english via french in the 16th century, the present participle form "exasperating" came to describe something that thoroughly roughens one's temper, perfectly capturing the feeling of intense annoyance caused by persistent irritation.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out, thoroughly) + asper (rough) + ating (adjective-forming suffix)
- ex: a latin prefix meaning "out of, from, thoroughly".
- asper: from latin asper, meaning "rough, harsh".
- ating: a complex english suffix derived from latin -atus (past participle ending) + english -ing, forming present participles and adjectives.
Examples
the slow and unreliable internet connection was utterly exasperating.
she found his constant interruptions during the meeting exasperating.
dealing with the bureaucratic red tape can be an exasperating experience.