Exasperating

/ɪɡˈzæspəreɪtɪŋ/ adjective

Definition

Making someone very annoyed, frustrated, or angry; extremely irritating.

Etymology

From Latin 'exasperare,' meaning 'to roughen' or 'to irritate' (literally 'to make rough'). The prefix 'ex-' means 'out' and 'asperare' relates to 'asper' (rough).

Kelly Says

The root of 'exasperate' is Latin for 'rough'—so exasperating things are literally 'roughing you up' emotionally, which is why rough textures and exasperating situations both use the same ancient word!

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