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Exasperation - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Exasperation is a feeling of intense frustration or annoyance, often caused by repeated problems or someone’s actions. It implies a sense of being worn down by persistent irritation.

exasperation

/ɪɡˌzæspəˈreɪʃən/ /ɪɡˌzɑːspəˈreɪʃən/

Definition:

A feeling of intense irritation or annoyance caused by persistent problems or provocation.

Synonyms:

frustration, irritation, annoyance, vexation

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

calmness, patience

Common Collocations:

utter exasperation, growing exasperation, express exasperation, feel exasperation, cause exasperation

Derivatives:

exasperate (verb), exasperating (adjective)

Usage Tips:

Use "exasperation" to describe extreme frustration, often due to repeated annoyances or helplessness in a situation.

Common Phrases:

at the end of one's tether, driven to distraction, at wit's end

Etymology:

From Latin *exasperare*, meaning "to irritate thoroughly," combining *ex-* (thoroughly) and *asper* (rough).

Examples:

  • 1. Her constant interruptions filled him with exasperation.
  • 2. The teacher sighed in exasperation after repeating the instructions three times.
  • 3. His careless mistakes led to her growing exasperation.
  • 4. She threw her hands up in exasperation when the computer crashed again.

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