asperating
|as-per-at-ing|
/ˈæs.pə.reɪ.tɪŋ/
(asperate)
make rough / irritate
Etymology
'asperating' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'asperare' (and its past participle 'asperatus'), where 'asper' meant 'rough' and the suffix '-are' indicated a verb-forming element meaning 'to make or do'.
'asperating' changed from Late Latin 'asperare' (to make rough) and Medieval/early Modern English borrowings such as 'asperate' and later formed the English present participle/adjectival form 'asperating'.
Initially, the root sense was 'to make rough/uneven' (physical texture); over time the sense broadened figuratively to include 'to irritate or annoy', which is common in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'asperate' — to make rough in texture or, figuratively, to irritate or aggravate.
The coarse brush was asperating the metal surface to help the paint adhere.
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Adjective 1
causing irritation or annoyance; provoking impatience.
Her constant, unnecessary corrections were asperating to everyone in the meeting.
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Last updated: 2025/10/30 14:22