Reading Theme:
Irritation: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：annoyance (irritation)
irritation
/ˌɪr.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/
n.
It's that feeling when something bothers you or makes you a bit angry.
annoyance
➕
/əˈnɔɪ.əns/
n.
A feeling of being annoyed or slightly angry due to something bothersome.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'irritare' (to excite, provoke), related to 'irritus' (excited).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'irritate' + 'ion' – irritation is the result of something that irritates.
📖 Example
The constant noise from the construction site was a major source of irritation for the students trying to study.
The ongoing noise from the construction site greatly annoyed the students who were studying.
🔗 Collocations
source of irritation – something that causes annoyance
cause irritation – to provoke annoyance
minor irritation – a small annoyance
🔄 Synonyms
annoyance (n.) – a feeling of being irritated or bothered
frustration (n.) – the feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something
exasperation (n.) – a feeling of intense irritation or annoyance
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
irritate (v.) – to make annoyed or angry
irritating (adj.) – causing annoyance or anger
irritated (adj.) – feeling or showing annoyance
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'irritatio', meaning 'excitement' or 'provocation', used in English since the 15th century to describe both mental and physical agitation.
Meaning 2：inflammation (irritation)
irritation
/ˌɪr.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/
n.
When a part of your body, like skin or eyes, gets red, itchy, or sore because of rubbing, allergy, or something irritating.
inflammation
➕
/ˌɪn.fləˈmeɪ.ʃən/
n.
A physical condition where skin or other body parts become red, itchy, or sore due to irritation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She stopped using the new face wash because it caused skin irritation and redness.
She discontinued the use of the new facial cleanser as it led to skin irritation and redness.
🔗 Collocations
skin irritation – irritation affecting the skin
eye irritation – irritation affecting the eyes
cause irritation – to lead to physical irritation
🔄 Synonyms
inflammation (n.) – a localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful
rash (n.) – an area of red, itchy spots on the skin
soreness (n.) – the state of being painful or tender
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
irritate (v.) – to cause physical discomfort or inflammation
irritating (adj.) – causing physical irritation or inflammation
irritated (adj.) – showing signs of physical irritation
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