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B1 noun 10 min de leitura

aggravation

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas aggravation em 30 segundos

Explicação aggravation in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'aggravation' might be a bit difficult because it is a long, formal word. However, you can understand it by looking at its English cousin 'aggravation'. In French, it just means 'getting worse'. Imagine a person who is sick. If they were a little sick yesterday and are very sick today, that is an 'aggravation'. You don't need to use this word often at A1, but you might see it in simple news titles. Just remember: Aggravation = Very Bad Change. It is a feminine word, so we say 'une aggravation'. You can think of it like 'plus mal' (more bad) or 'pire' (worse). For example, if the rain gets stronger, a beginner might say 'plus de pluie', but the news will say 'aggravation de la pluie'. It is important to know that it is not about being 'annoyed' like in English. It is only about things getting more serious or worse in quality or health.

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At the A2 level, you start to learn more nouns to describe changes. 'Aggravation' is a useful word to know when talking about health or the weather. When you go to the doctor, you might hear 'Il n'y a pas d'aggravation', which means 'It is not getting worse'. This is a good thing! You should learn to pair it with the preposition 'de'. For example: 'aggravation de la situation'. You can also use it to talk about the weather: 'L'aggravation du temps' (the worsening of the weather). At this level, you should be careful not to use it to mean 'annoyance'. If your friend is annoying you, don't use 'aggravation'. Use 'Il m'énerve'. 'Aggravation' is for serious things like problems, illnesses, or bad weather. It is a formal word, so using it makes your French sound more professional and precise than just using 'c'est pire'.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use more precise vocabulary. 'Aggravation' is a key word for discussing social issues, health, and the environment. You should understand that it describes a process of decline. For example, instead of saying 'Le chômage est devenu plus grave', you should say 'On constate une aggravation du chômage'. This noun-based construction is very typical of formal French. You should also be able to use adjectives with it, such as 'une aggravation rapide' (a rapid worsening) or 'une aggravation inquiétante' (a worrying worsening). At B1, you must be fully aware that 'aggravation' is a false friend; it never means 'annoyance' in French. You should also start to recognize it in news reports about 'l'aggravation de la crise' or 'l'aggravation des tensions'. It is a word that helps you move from basic descriptions to more analytical ones.

At the B2 level, 'aggravation' should be a regular part of your vocabulary, especially in written French. You should be able to use it in complex sentences involving causality. For example: 'Les mesures d'austérité ont entraîné une aggravation de la pauvreté'. You should also be familiar with the verb form 's'aggraver' and how to switch between the noun and the verb for stylistic variety. At this level, you should also know the legal context, specifically the term 'circonstances aggravantes' (aggravating circumstances), which is an adjective derived from the same root. You should be able to distinguish 'aggravation' from similar words like 'dégradation' (used for physical states or environments) and 'détérioration' (used for objects or relations). Using 'aggravation' correctly in an essay about climate change or social policy will demonstrate a high level of lexical precision and a grasp of formal register.

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At the C1 level, you should use 'aggravation' with nuance, understanding its place within a hierarchy of terms for decline. You might choose 'aggravation' for a medical or systemic decline, but opt for 'exacerbation' when discussing the intensification of a conflict or an emotional state. You should be able to follow the word in complex academic or legal texts, such as an analysis of 'l'aggravation de la fracture sociale'. You should also be aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word, connecting it to the concept of 'gravity' (heaviness). In a C1 level discussion, you might use the word to describe the cumulative effect of several factors: 'C'est la conjonction de ces facteurs qui a provoqué l'aggravation brutale de la crise'. Your mastery of the word should include perfect gender agreement and the ability to use it in abstract, metaphorical contexts as well as literal ones.

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At the C2 level, 'aggravation' is a tool for precise, high-level discourse. You should be able to use it in sophisticated rhetorical structures, perhaps contrasting it with 'amélioration' or 'stagnation'. You might use it in a philosophical or sociological context, such as 'l'aggravation de l'aliénation dans la société moderne'. At this level, you are expected to have a complete grasp of its collocations, such as 'aggravation manifeste', 'aggravation tendancielle', or 'aggravation irréversible'. You should also be able to identify and use its rare or highly technical synonyms in specific fields, like 'pejoration' in linguistics (though this is very niche). Your understanding of the word should be so deep that you can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning in formal speeches, legal briefs, or literary analysis, always maintaining the correct formal register and avoiding any confusion with its English cognate's secondary meanings.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

aggravation em 30 segundos

Aggravation means 'worsening' and is used for serious situations like health, law, or weather.
It is a feminine noun (une aggravation) and a false friend; it does not mean 'annoyance'.
It is primarily used in formal or technical contexts, such as news reports and medical charts.
Commonly paired with the preposition 'de' (e.g., l'aggravation de la crise) and verbs like 'constater' or 'craindre'.

The French noun aggravation is a sophisticated term that English speakers often recognize, but it carries a narrower and more precise meaning in French than its English counterpart. In French, it refers exclusively to the process or result of making a situation, condition, or feeling worse, more serious, or more severe. Unlike the English word 'aggravation', which is frequently used to describe a sense of annoyance or irritation (e.g., 'That person is such an aggravation'), the French aggravation is strictly linked to the concept of 'becoming more grave' or 'heavy'. It is deeply rooted in the Latin word aggravare, where 'gravare' means to make heavy. Therefore, when a French speaker uses this word, they are describing a downward trajectory or a worsening state of affairs. This word is highly prevalent in medical, legal, and formal contexts, though it is also used in everyday speech when discussing serious topics like the weather, politics, or personal health.

Medical Context: In medicine, it describes the decline of a patient's health or the increased severity of symptoms. For example, 'une aggravation de la fièvre' (a worsening of the fever).

Le médecin a noté une aggravation de son état de santé pendant la nuit.

Legal Context: In law, it often appears in the phrase 'circonstances aggravantes', referring to factors that increase the severity of a crime or the penalty associated with it.

L'intervention de la police a évité une aggravation du conflit entre les voisins.

Climatic Context: Meteorologists use it to describe worsening weather conditions, such as 'une aggravation de la tempête' (a worsening of the storm).

Météo-France prévoit une aggravation des conditions de circulation à cause du verglas.

Il y a eu une nette aggravation de la crise économique cette année.

Toute aggravation de la situation doit être signalée immédiatement aux autorités.

In summary, 'aggravation' is your go-to word for 'worsening' in any serious context. It implies a measurable or observable decline in quality, safety, or health. It is not used for minor emotional piques but for structural or systemic declines. When you see this word in a newspaper or hear it on the news, it usually signals a development that requires attention or intervention. It is a key term for B1 learners because it allows for more precise descriptions of problems beyond just saying 'c'est plus mauvais' (it's worse). Mastering its usage ensures you can communicate about complex issues like climate change, health, and law with the correct level of formality and accuracy.

Using aggravation correctly requires understanding its noun status and its relationship with the verb aggraver. Because it is a noun, it often follows verbs like 'constater' (to notice), 'craindre' (to fear), 'provoquer' (to cause), or 'entraîner' (to lead to). It is frequently followed by the preposition 'de' to specify what exactly is getting worse. For example, 'l'aggravation de la situation' or 'l'aggravation des symptômes'.

Common Verb Pairings: Verbs like 'observer' or 'noter' are used when a change is visible. 'L'expert a observé une aggravation des fissures dans le mur.' (The expert observed a worsening of the cracks in the wall.)

Nous craignons une aggravation des tensions diplomatiques entre les deux pays.

Causality: When something causes a worsening, use 'mener à' or 'provoquer'. 'Le manque de pluie a provoqué une aggravation de la sécheresse.' (The lack of rain caused a worsening of the drought.)

L'absence de mesures concrètes a mené à une aggravation du chômage dans la région.

Adjective Agreement: Common adjectives used with it include 'rapide', 'progressive', 'subite' (sudden), and 'inquiétante' (worrying). 'Une aggravation inquiétante du déficit public.'

On constate une aggravation progressive de la pollution sonore en ville.

Le rapport souligne l'aggravation des inégalités sociales au cours de la décennie.

Il n'y a pas d'aggravation notable, ce qui est déjà une bonne nouvelle.

When using 'aggravation' in a sentence, think of it as a noun that encapsulates a dynamic process. It's not just that something is bad; it's that the 'badness' is increasing. This makes it a powerful word for expressing urgency or concern. For instance, 'L'aggravation de la situation' sounds much more serious and professional than 'La situation est devenue plus mauvaise'. By using this noun, you are speaking like a native who understands the nuances of formal French communication. Whether you are writing a report, explaining a problem to a doctor, or discussing global news, 'aggravation' provides the weight and precision needed to describe deteriorating conditions effectively.

You will encounter aggravation in several key domains of French life. First and foremost is the medical field. If you are watching a medical drama or visiting a hospital in France, you will hear doctors use this word to describe the evolution of a disease. It's a standard clinical term used in patient charts and during consultations. If a doctor says, 'On surveille toute aggravation possible,' they mean they are monitoring for any possible decline in the patient's condition. Secondly, it is a staple of journalism and news broadcasts. When French news anchors discuss the economy, they often speak of 'l'aggravation du déficit budgétaire' (the worsening of the budget deficit) or 'l'aggravation de la crise de l'emploi'. In the context of international relations, you'll hear about 'l'aggravation du conflit' whenever a war or dispute escalates. It is the preferred term for serious reporting because it maintains a neutral, objective tone while conveying the gravity of the change. Thirdly, environmental and weather reports frequently utilize this term. With the increasing focus on climate change, 'l'aggravation du réchauffement climatique' is a phrase you will hear in documentaries and scientific reports. On a more daily level, weather alerts (vigilance météo) might warn of an 'aggravation des précipitations' or 'aggravation des vents' as a storm approaches.

Flash Info : L'ONU s'inquiète d'une aggravation de la famine dans la région.

In the legal system, 'aggravation' is a technical term. While 'circonstance aggravante' is an adjective form, the noun 'aggravation' can be used to describe an increase in a sentence or the worsening of a legal dispute. For example, 'L'aggravation de la peine en appel' refers to a harsher sentence being given during an appeal process. Finally, in formal administration and insurance, you might see this word in contracts or official letters. Insurance companies might discuss the 'aggravation du risque' (increase in risk) which could lead to higher premiums. If you are filling out a form about a car accident, you might be asked if there was an 'aggravation des dommages' after the initial impact. In summary, 'aggravation' is a word of the public sphere. It belongs to the language of experts, journalists, and professionals. Hearing it signals that the topic is serious and that the situation being discussed is on a negative trajectory. By recognizing it in these contexts, you can better grasp the severity of what is being communicated in French media and professional environments.

The most significant mistake English speakers make with aggravation is treating it as a literal translation of the English word 'aggravation' in the sense of 'annoyance'. In English, you might say, 'Dealing with that bureaucracy was a huge aggravation.' If you say in French, 'Cette bureaucratie est une grande aggravation,' a native speaker will be confused. They will understand that the bureaucracy is 'making something worse,' but they won't understand that you are 'annoyed'. This is a classic faux ami (false friend).

False Friend Alert: English 'aggravation' = Annoyance/Irritation. French 'aggravation' = Worsening/Becoming more severe. To say 'annoyance', use 'agacement', 'énervement', or 'contrariété'.

Another common error is using 'aggravation' for positive situations. Because the word sounds similar to 'aggregation' or 'augmentation' (increase), some learners mistakenly use it to mean 'increase' in a general sense. However, 'aggravation' is exclusively negative. You can have an 'aggravation de la dette' (worsening of debt), but you cannot have an 'aggravation des profits'. For an increase in profits, you would use 'augmentation' or 'accroissement'.

Incorrect: J'ai une grande aggravation contre mon voisin. (I have a big 'worsening' against my neighbor.)
Correct: Mon voisin m'agace beaucoup. (My neighbor annoys me a lot.)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the preposition. It is almost always followed by de. Some might try to use 'en' or 'à', but 'aggravation de [quelque chose]' is the standard structure. Spelling is another pitfall. In French, aggravation is spelled with two 'g's. English speakers sometimes drop one 'g' because of the English spelling of 'aggrandize' or similar words, but 'aggravation' in both languages actually uses two 'g's. However, the pronunciation is different; in French, the 'a' is short and the 'tion' at the end is the nasal /sjɔ̃/ sound, not the English 'shun'. Lastly, don't confuse aggravation with agression. While both are negative, an 'agression' is a physical or verbal attack, whereas 'aggravation' is a process of decline. You might say that an 'agression' led to the 'aggravation' of someone's health, but they are distinct concepts. By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the 'annoyance' vs 'worsening' divide—you will avoid the most common traps that catch English-speaking learners.

While aggravation is a very precise word, there are several synonyms and related terms you can use depending on the context. Understanding the subtle differences between these will elevate your French from B1 to a more advanced level.

Empirement: This is the most direct synonym for 'worsening' (from 'pire'). However, it is much less common in formal writing than 'aggravation'. It is often used in casual speech: 'L'empirement de la situation est évident'.

Détérioration: Used primarily for physical objects or abstract quality. You talk about the 'détérioration d'un bâtiment' (deterioration of a building) or 'détérioration des relations'. While 'aggravation' implies a worsening of a condition, 'détérioration' implies a breaking down or wearing away.

Dégradation: Similar to 'détérioration', but often used for the environment or social status. 'La dégradation de l'environnement' is a very common phrase. It suggests a loss of value or rank.

On note une aggravation de la maladie, mais une détérioration du matériel médical.

Exacerbation: This word is even more formal than 'aggravation'. It refers to making a feeling, a conflict, or a symptom much more intense. 'L'exacerbation des tensions' means the tensions have reached a peak of intensity.

Recrudescence: This is a specific type of worsening where something bad that had subsided starts happening again. 'Une recrudescence de l'épidémie' means the epidemic is flaring up again.

In many cases, you can also use verbal phrases instead of the noun. Instead of 'l'aggravation de la situation', you can say 'la situation s'aggrave' (the situation is worsening) or 'la situation empire' (the situation is getting worse). The verb 's'aggraver' is very common and useful. Choosing between these depends on whether you want to focus on the process (the noun) or the action (the verb). By having this palette of words—aggravation, détérioration, dégradation, exacerbation—you can describe negative changes with great nuance, ensuring you always use the term that best fits the specific type of 'worsening' you are witnessing.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'aggravation' entered the French language in the 14th century, initially used in legal and religious contexts to describe the increasing weight of a sin or a penalty.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /a.ɡʁa.va.sjɔ̃/

US /a.ɡʁa.va.sjɔ̃/

In French, the stress is evenly distributed, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable 'sjɔ̃'.

Rima com

nation station formation situation éducation création action tension

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'tion' like 'shun' as in English.
Dropping the second 'g' sound.
Using the English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
Stressing the second syllable instead of the last.
Pronouncing the nasal 'on' like 'own'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate, but requires understanding the specific French meaning.

Escrita 3/5

Requires correct gender agreement and proper use of the preposition 'de'.

Expressão oral 3/5

The nasal 'tion' and the French 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Audição 2/5

Clearly pronounced in formal news and medical contexts.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

grave pire malade situation plus

Aprenda a seguir

amélioration détérioration exacerbation aggraver circonstance

Avançado

pejoration déliquescence péricliter accentuation

Gramática essencial

Nouns ending in -tion are almost always feminine.

Une aggravation, une nation, une solution.

The preposition 'de' is used to connect a noun of change to its object.

L'aggravation de la crise.

Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun.

Une aggravation soudaine (feminine singular).

The definite article contracts before a vowel.

L'aggravation (instead of La aggravation).

The verb 's'aggraver' is pronominal when the situation worsens by itself.

La situation s'aggrave.

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Exemplos por nível

Il y a une aggravation du froid aujourd'hui.

There is a worsening of the cold today.

Uses 'une' because 'aggravation' is feminine.

Le docteur voit une aggravation de la maladie.

The doctor sees a worsening of the illness.

The preposition 'de' connects the noun to the subject.

L'aggravation de la pluie est forte.

The worsening of the rain is strong.

L' is used before a vowel.

Attention à l'aggravation du vent !

Watch out for the worsening of the wind!

Exclamatory sentence using the noun.

Je ne veux pas d'aggravation de mon mal de tête.

I don't want a worsening of my headache.

Negative construction with 'pas d''.

Il y a une petite aggravation.

There is a small worsening.

'Petite' agrees with the feminine noun.

L'aggravation est rapide.

The worsening is fast.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Pourquoi cette aggravation ?

Why this worsening?

Interrogative sentence using 'cette' (feminine demonstrative).

L'aggravation de son état inquiète sa famille.

The worsening of his condition worries his family.

'Aggravation de son état' is a common medical phrase.

On observe une aggravation de la pollution en ville.

We are observing a worsening of pollution in the city.

The verb 'observer' is often used with 'aggravation'.

Il n'y a pas d'aggravation notable des symptômes.

There is no notable worsening of the symptoms.

'Notable' is an adjective modifying 'aggravation'.

L'aggravation de la crise a commencé en hiver.

The worsening of the crisis started in winter.

Past tense 'a commencé' with the noun subject.

Le rapport parle d'une aggravation de la situation.

The report speaks of a worsening of the situation.

The phrase 'parler de' followed by the noun.

Évitez toute aggravation de la blessure.

Avoid any worsening of the injury.

'Toute' acts as 'any' or 'all' here.

Cette aggravation était prévisible.

This worsening was predictable.

Adjective 'prévisible' agrees with the feminine noun.

On craint une aggravation des inondations.

We fear a worsening of the floods.

The verb 'craindre' takes a direct object.

L'aggravation des inégalités est un problème majeur.

The worsening of inequalities is a major problem.

Using 'aggravation' for social concepts.

Une aggravation soudaine du climat a été enregistrée.

A sudden worsening of the climate was recorded.

Passive voice 'a été enregistrée'.

Le gouvernement veut empêcher l'aggravation du chômage.

The government wants to prevent the worsening of unemployment.

The infinitive 'empêcher' followed by the noun.

L'aggravation de la dette publique est inquiétante.

The worsening of the public debt is worrying.

Financial context usage.

On note une aggravation de la fracture sociale.

A worsening of the social divide is noted.

Abstract usage of 'fracture sociale'.

Malgré les soins, il y a eu une aggravation.

Despite the care, there was a worsening.

'Malgré' shows contrast.

L'aggravation du conflit semble inévitable.

The worsening of the conflict seems inevitable.

The verb 'sembler' followed by an adjective.

Cette mesure risque d'entraîner une aggravation.

This measure risks leading to a worsening.

'Entraîner' is a common verb for 'causing' a noun.

L'aggravation des tensions diplomatiques menace la paix.

The worsening of diplomatic tensions threatens peace.

Formal political vocabulary.

On a constaté une aggravation manifeste de son état.

A manifest worsening of his condition was observed.

'Manifeste' means clear or obvious.

L'aggravation de la pénurie d'eau est alarmante.

The worsening of the water shortage is alarming.

Environmental focus.

Toute aggravation du risque doit être déclarée à l'assureur.

Any increase in risk must be declared to the insurer.

Legal/Administrative usage.

L'aggravation de la crise migratoire nécessite une action européenne.

The worsening of the migrant crisis requires European action.

Complex subject with multiple nouns.

Le patient présente une aggravation de ses troubles respiratoires.

The patient shows a worsening of his respiratory troubles.

Formal medical phrasing 'présente une aggravation'.

L'aggravation de la situation sécuritaire inquiète les expatriés.

The worsening of the security situation worries expats.

Specific domain: security.

Cette loi pourrait mener à une aggravation des disparités.

This law could lead to a worsening of disparities.

Conditional 'pourrait' expressing possibility.

L'aggravation tendancielle du déficit ne peut plus être ignorée.

The trend-based worsening of the deficit can no longer be ignored.

'Tendancielle' is a high-level academic adjective.

On assiste à une aggravation de la précarité chez les jeunes.

We are witnessing a worsening of precariousness among young people.

'Assister à' means to witness or observe in this context.

L'aggravation des symptômes est corrélée à l'âge du patient.

The worsening of symptoms is correlated with the patient's age.

Scientific vocabulary: 'corrélée à'.

L'aggravation de la crise de confiance envers les médias est réelle.

The worsening of the crisis of confidence in the media is real.

Sociological analysis phrasing.

Le traité n'a pas empêché l'aggravation des hostilités.

The treaty did not prevent the worsening of hostilities.

Historical/Political context.

Une aggravation de la pathologie a été notée lors de l'autopsie.

A worsening of the pathology was noted during the autopsy.

Technical medical/forensic term.

L'aggravation de la fragmentation politique complique la gouvernance.

The worsening of political fragmentation complicates governance.

Advanced political science terminology.

L'aggravation du sentiment d'isolement est un effet secondaire du confinement.

The worsening of the feeling of isolation is a side effect of the lockdown.

Psychological/Sociological context.

L'aggravation systémique des dysfonctionnements institutionnels paralyse l'État.

The systemic worsening of institutional dysfunctions paralyzes the State.

Highly abstract and formal vocabulary.

On note une aggravation de l'entropie au sein de ce système complexe.

A worsening of entropy within this complex system is noted.

Scientific/Philosophical usage of 'entropie'.

L'aggravation de la dichotomie entre riches et pauvres atteint un paroxysme.

The worsening of the dichotomy between rich and poor is reaching a peak.

Advanced words: 'dichotomie', 'paroxysme'.

L'aggravation de la déshumanisation des rapports sociaux inquiète les philosophes.

The worsening of the dehumanization of social relations worries philosophers.

Philosophical discourse.

L'aggravation des tares héréditaires a été étudiée par les généticiens.

The worsening of hereditary flaws has been studied by geneticists.

Specialized genetic terminology.

L'aggravation de la vacuité du discours politique est déplorée par les analystes.

The worsening of the emptiness of political discourse is deplored by analysts.

Refined vocabulary: 'vacuité', 'déplorée'.

L'aggravation de la sédimentation bureaucratique freine l'innovation.

The worsening of bureaucratic sedimentation slows down innovation.

Metaphorical use of 'sédimentation'.

Il y a une aggravation de l'obsolescence programmée des appareils électroniques.

There is a worsening of the planned obsolescence of electronic devices.

Economic/Environmental technical term.

Colocações comuns

aggravation de l'état de santé

aggravation de la situation

aggravation de la crise

aggravation des symptômes

aggravation des tensions

aggravation des dommages

aggravation du risque

aggravation de la peine

aggravation des conditions météorologiques

aggravation de la pauvreté

Frases Comuns

En cas d'aggravation

— Used in instructions to tell someone what to do if things get worse.

En cas d'aggravation, appelez les urgences.

Une nette aggravation

— A clear and significant worsening of a situation.

On observe une nette aggravation de la pollution.

Aggravation subite

— A sudden and unexpected worsening.

L'aggravation subite de la tempête a surpris tout le monde.

Risque d'aggravation

— The possibility that things will get worse.

Il existe un risque d'aggravation des inondations.

Aggravation progressive

— A slow and steady worsening over time.

L'aggravation progressive de sa vue l'inquiète.

Constater une aggravation

— To notice or record a worsening.

Le médecin a constaté une aggravation des lésions.

Empêcher l'aggravation

— To stop a situation from getting worse.

Ces mesures visent à empêcher l'aggravation du déficit.

Aggravation manifeste

— An obvious and undeniable worsening.

Il y a une aggravation manifeste du mécontentement social.

Aggravation de la fracture

— Often used metaphorically for social or political divisions.

L'aggravation de la fracture numérique est un défi.

Aggravation inquiétante

— A worsening that causes worry or anxiety.

Une aggravation inquiétante du virus a été détectée.

Frequentemente confundido com

aggravation vs agacement

This means 'annoyance'. Do not use 'aggravation' for this.

aggravation vs augmentation

This means 'increase'. While an aggravation is an increase in severity, 'augmentation' is neutral or positive.

aggravation vs agression

This means 'attack'. It sounds similar but refers to an action, not a worsening state.

Expressões idiomáticas

"circonstances aggravantes"

— Legal term for factors that make a crime worse and increase the penalty.

Il a été condamné avec des circonstances aggravantes.

formal

"aggraver son cas"

— To do something that makes one's own situation or reputation even worse.

En mentant à nouveau, il ne fait qu'aggraver son cas.

neutral

"vers une aggravation"

— Heading towards a worse state; a common news headline structure.

On se dirige vers une aggravation de la crise sociale.

journalistic

"facteur d'aggravation"

— An element that contributes to making a situation worse.

Le vent est un facteur d'aggravation pour l'incendie.

neutral

"aggravation de la situation de fait"

— A legal term regarding a change in the actual circumstances of a case.

L'expert note une aggravation de la situation de fait.

formal

"aggravation des charges"

— An increase in the accusations or the weight of evidence against someone.

Le nouveau témoignage mène à une aggravation des charges.

formal

"aggravation du passif"

— An increase in debts or negative balance in accounting.

L'entreprise fait face à une aggravation du passif.

formal

"aggravation par omission"

— Making a situation worse by failing to act.

L'aggravation par omission peut être punie par la loi.

formal

"aggravation naturelle"

— Worsening that happens without human intervention, like a disease progression.

L'aggravation naturelle de la pathologie est lente.

medical

"aggravation accidentelle"

— Worsening caused by an unforeseen event.

L'aggravation accidentelle des dégâts a été constatée.

formal

Fácil de confundir

aggravation vs agacement

English 'aggravation' can mean annoyance.

'Agacement' is the feeling of being bothered; 'aggravation' is a situation getting worse.

Son bruit me cause de l'agacement, mais l'aggravation de mon mal de tête est réelle.

aggravation vs empirement

Both mean 'worsening'.

'Empirement' is informal and rare; 'aggravation' is standard and formal.

On utilise 'aggravation' dans un rapport médical, pas 'empirement'.

aggravation vs dégradation

Both describe things getting worse.

'Dégradation' is usually for physical quality or environment; 'aggravation' is for severity of conditions or problems.

La dégradation du mur vs l'aggravation de la maladie.

aggravation vs exacerbation

Both mean intensification.

'Exacerbation' is for making something (usually a feeling or symptom) much more acute or intense.

L'exacerbation de sa colère.

aggravation vs augmentation

Both involve something becoming 'more'.

'Augmentation' is neutral (prices, size); 'aggravation' is always negative (problems).

Une augmentation de salaire vs une aggravation de la pauvreté.

Padrões de frases

Il y a une aggravation de [noun].

Il y a une aggravation de la pluie.

On observe une aggravation de [noun].

On observe une aggravation de la pollution.

L'aggravation de [noun] est [adjective].

L'aggravation de la crise est inquiétante.

[Something] entraîne une aggravation de [noun].

Le vent entraîne une aggravation de l'incendie.

On assiste à une aggravation tendancielle de [noun].

On assiste à une aggravation tendancielle du chômage.

L'aggravation systémique de [noun] paralyse [noun].

L'aggravation systémique du déficit paralyse l'économie.

En cas d'aggravation, il faut [verb].

En cas d'aggravation, il faut appeler le médecin.

Malgré [noun], l'aggravation continue.

Malgré le traitement, l'aggravation continue.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

aggravation

gravité

Verbos

aggraver

s'aggraver

Adjetivos

aggravant

grave

Relacionado

empirement

détérioration

dégradation

exacerbation

gravitation

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Como usar

frequency

Common in media, medical, and professional contexts; less common in very casual street slang.

Erros comuns

Using 'aggravation' to mean 'annoyance'. → agacement
French 'aggravation' only means worsening, never irritation.
Saying 'le aggravation'. → l'aggravation
Because 'aggravation' starts with a vowel, you must use the elided article 'l''.
Spelling it 'agravation' with one 'g'. → aggravation
The word requires two 'g's, just like in English.
Using it for positive increases (e.g., 'aggravation de la joie'). → augmentation de la joie
Aggravation is strictly for negative things.
Pronouncing 'tion' like 'shun'. → sjɔ̃
The French 'tion' is always a nasal 's-yon' sound.

Dicas

False Friend Alert

Always remember that French 'aggravation' is not English 'annoyance'. If you are annoyed by your boss, don't use 'aggravation'!

Gender Tip

Almost all words ending in -tion are feminine. 'Une aggravation' follows this rule perfectly.

Medical Context

If you are in a French hospital, listen for this word. It's how doctors describe a patient's condition declining.

Noun vs Verb

Using the noun 'aggravation' often makes your writing sound more professional than using the verb 'aggraver'.

Nasal Sounds

Focus on the final nasal 'on'. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth at the very end of the word.

News Vocabulary

This is a high-frequency word in French news. Learning it will help you understand reports on the economy and environment.

Law Terms

If you hear 'circonstances aggravantes', it means the situation is legally very serious.

Double G

Don't forget the double 'g'. It's the same as in English, which makes it easier to remember.

Opposites

Learn 'amélioration' (improvement) at the same time. They are the perfect pair of opposites.

Gravity Connection

Connect the word to 'gravity'. A situation with aggravation is 'heavy' and 'falling' into a worse state.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Gravity' (Grave). If a situation has 'aggravation', it is falling down due to gravity, getting heavier and more serious.

Associação visual

Imagine a medical chart with a line going sharply downwards into a red zone. That downward movement is 'aggravation'.

Word Web

maladie crise pire grave situation santé climat tensions

Desafio

Try to use 'aggravation' in three different contexts today: once for health, once for the weather, and once for a news story you read.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin 'aggravatio', which is a noun of action from the verb 'aggravare'. The verb 'aggravare' is composed of 'ad-' (towards) and 'gravare' (to make heavy), from 'gravis' (heavy, serious).

Significado original: The act of making something heavier or more burdensome.

Romance (Latin root)

Contexto cultural

As it describes things getting worse, use it with empathy when talking about someone's health or personal problems.

English speakers must be careful. In English, 'aggravation' is often used for 'annoyance' (e.g., 'stop being an aggravation'). In French, this is never the case. It only means 'worsening'.

Medical reports on famous figures often use 'aggravation de l'état de santé'. Legal documents in high-profile French court cases frequently mention 'aggravation de la peine'. Environmental summits in Paris often focus on 'l'aggravation du réchauffement'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Hospitals

Aggravation des symptômes
Surveiller l'aggravation
Pas d'aggravation
Aggravation subite

Weather Reports

Aggravation orageuse
Aggravation du temps
Aggravation des vents
Aggravation de la houle

News/Politics

Aggravation de la crise
Aggravation du chômage
Aggravation des tensions
Aggravation du déficit

Insurance/Law

Aggravation du risque
Aggravation de la peine
Aggravation des dommages
Circonstances aggravantes

Environment

Aggravation de la pollution
Aggravation de la sécheresse
Aggravation du réchauffement
Aggravation de l'érosion

Iniciadores de conversa

"Penses-tu qu'il y aura une aggravation de la situation économique l'année prochaine ?"

"As-tu remarqué une aggravation de la pollution dans ta ville récemment ?"

"Quelles sont les solutions pour éviter une aggravation du réchauffement climatique ?"

"Le médecin a-t-il parlé d'une possible aggravation de tes symptômes ?"

"Est-ce que l'aggravation des tensions internationales t'inquiète ?"

Temas para diário

Décrivez une situation où vous avez observé une aggravation d'un problème et comment vous l'avez résolu.

Pensez-vous que l'aggravation des inégalités sociales est inévitable dans le monde moderne ?

Écrivez sur une expérience médicale (réelle ou imaginaire) impliquant une aggravation de symptômes.

Comment la technologie peut-elle aider à prévenir l'aggravation des catastrophes naturelles ?

Réfléchissez à l'aggravation de la solitude dans les grandes villes contemporaines.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, this is a common mistake for English speakers. In French, it only means the worsening of a situation or condition. To say 'annoyance', use 'agacement'.

It is feminine: 'une aggravation'. Most French nouns ending in -tion are feminine.

No, 'aggravation' is always used for negative situations like illnesses, crises, or bad weather. For positive increases, use 'amélioration' or 'augmentation'.

The verb is 'aggraver' (to make worse) or 's'aggraver' (to get worse). For example: 'La situation s'aggrave'.

Yes, it is quite formal. In casual speech, people might say 'ça devient pire', but in news or medical contexts, 'aggravation' is the standard term.

'Aggravation' usually refers to the severity of a condition (like a disease), while 'dégradation' refers to the physical quality of something (like a building or the environment).

It is pronounced like 'sy-on' with a nasal 'on' sound. It does not sound like the English 'shun'.

This is a legal term meaning 'aggravating circumstances'. These are facts that make a crime more serious and lead to a heavier sentence.

Yes, it is very common in weather reports to describe conditions becoming more severe, like 'une aggravation de la tempête'.

Yes, but it is very rarely used and sounds quite informal or even uneducated compared to 'aggravation'.

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