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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