exacerbates

[ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪts]
verb
agrava
1. to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse or more severe
Stress exacerbates the symptoms of anxiety.
O estresse agrava os sintomas da ansiedade.
2. to intensify or increase in intensity, especially something unpleasant
Lack of sleep exacerbates irritability.
A falta de sono agrava a irritabilidade.
3. to provoke or irritate someone deliberately
His comments exacerbated the tension between the two groups.
Seus comentários agravaram a tensão entre os dois grupos.
The word 'exacerbates' is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese in formal, medical, and academic contexts. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'agrava' is the preferred translation in medical and legal documents, while 'piora' is more colloquial. The term is frequently heard in discussions about health conditions, social tensions, and environmental issues.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
aggravatesworsensintensifiesdeterioratesinflamescompounds
Antonyms / Antônimos
alleviatesmitigatesrelievesimprovessoothes

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
agrava
most common translation; also used as 'piora' in informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
agrava
standard usage; sometimes 'piorava' in colloquial speech
São Paulo
agrava
standard usage; technical and medical contexts prefer 'agrava'
Portugal
agrava
equivalent to Brazilian Portuguese; formal written Portuguese prefers 'agrava'

Related Words

exacerbationexacerbateexacerbatingexacerbated

Related Idioms & Phrases

pour fuel on the fire (agrava ainda mais a situação)
add insult to injury (agrava a ofensa)
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