Help me use the words aggravate and irritate properly?

Let's break down the differences between "aggravate" and "irritate" to help you use them accurately:

Aggravate

* Meaning: To make something worse or more severe.

* Focus: On worsening a situation or condition.

* Example: "The loud music aggravated my headache."

Irritate

* Meaning: To annoy, frustrate, or provoke someone.

* Focus: On causing annoyance or displeasure.

* Example: "The constant interruptions irritated me."

Key Differences:

* Target: "Aggravate" often targets a situation or condition, while "irritate" usually targets a person.

* Emotion: "Aggravate" implies making something worse, while "irritate" implies causing annoyance.

Here's a simple way to remember:

* Aggravate: Think of "aggravating" a wound, making it worse.

* Irritate: Think of "irritating" a person, making them annoyed.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

* Aggravate: "The smoke from the fire aggravated my asthma."

* Irritate: "The fly buzzing around my head irritated me."

* Aggravate: "His constant complaining aggravated the situation."

* Irritate: "Her rude comments irritated her colleagues."

A Note of Caution:

While "aggravate" can sometimes be used to mean "irritate" in informal speech, it's best to avoid this usage in formal writing or when aiming for a precise meaning. Stick to "irritate" for annoyance and "aggravate" for worsening a situation.