Writing Tip 365: “Exasperate” vs. “Exacerbate”

You know who’s exasperated? A snail moving uphill. The morning dew only exacerbates the journey.

Oh, English language, there you go again with words that are so similar that confusion reigns once again.

Remember:

“To exasperate” is to annoy, irritate, or greatly bother.
“To exacerbate” is to worsen, to make more severe.

Thus:

“Exasperation” is aggravation or overwhelming annoyance.
“Exacerbation” is the worsening, or the heightened severity.

Pouring salt on a wound might exacerbate the pain, but you know what? Don’t mention that salt to the snail. He might become even further exasperated. And no one likes a panicked snail.

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