Exasperated

Exasperated is an adjective describing someone who is intensely irritated and frustrated, often as a result of persistent annoyances or delays. It can describe a mood, expression, or reaction, such as an exasperated sigh or exasperated look.

Etymology and sense: The word derives from the Latin exasperare, meaning “to irritate, roughen,” from ex- “out” + asper “rough.” The sense of extreme irritation developed in English in the early modern period, and the term is now used to indicate a high degree of frustration.

Usage notes: Exasperated is used in both formal and informal contexts. It can describe a person or their demeanor or response (for example, an exasperated tone or an exasperated reply). The related verb exasperate means to cause such irritation, while exasperating describes something that provokes this reaction. The adverb exasperatingly is relatively rare but appears in some contexts.

Common collocations and nuance: People may be exasperated with delays, incompetent explanations, or repeated interruptions, and an exasperated sigh or look is a common illustrative phrase. The word implies a sense of weariness or impatience that goes beyond mere annoyance, often tied to a sense of having endured enough.

Synonyms and contrasts: Similar terms include irritated, vexed, frustrated, and fed up; antonyms include patient, calm, and tolerant. Exasperated conveys a more intense and abrupt reaction than merely frustrated, and is often tied to a specific trigger or ongoing aggravation.