What is irate? Pronunciation and usage in English

irate means . Learn how to pronounce and use irate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of irate

irateadjective

/aɪˈreɪt//aɪˈreɪt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "irate." It’s a tricky one because it doesn’t follow typical English pronunciation rules!

Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "I" as in "I" – It starts with the vowel sound you make when saying "I."
  • "Rat" – This is the tricky part. It's not like the word "rat" as in a rodent. Instead, it's a sound closer to "rate" – as in, to value something. Think of the "a" in "rate."

2. Putting it Together:

The entire word sounds like: eye-rate

Here's a more detailed phonetic breakdown (using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˈaɪˌreɪt/

  • /ˈaɪ/ – The "i" sound (as in "I") – this is stressed.
  • /ˌreɪ/ – The "rate" sound – a short, open "a" sound.
  • /t/ – A brief "t" sound.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Focus on the "rate" sound: This is the key. Practicing saying "rate" repeatedly will help you get that sound right.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "i": It’s a quick, almost subtle "i" sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it said correctly. Search online for "how to pronounce irate" on YouTube. Many dictionaries and pronunciation websites (like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary) will have audio examples.

Resources:

Would you like me to:

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Usage and examples with the word irate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "irate" correctly in English. It's a somewhat formal and evocative word that suggests intense anger. Here's a breakdown of its usage, nuances, and alternatives:

1. Definition:

  • Core Meaning: "Irate" means extremely angry or indignant. It describes someone who is furious and often expresses their anger forcefully.

2. How to Use It:

  • Describing a Person’s State: The most common way to use "irate" is to describe the feeling of a person:

    • "The customer was irate after waiting two hours for their reservation."
    • "He was irate when he found out his car had been towed."
    • "She became irate when she heard the news."

  • Describing Behavior (Often with "became"): You can also use it to describe the actions resulting from the anger:

    • “He became irate and started shouting.”
    • “She became irate, slamming the door behind her.”

3. Tone and Formality:

  • Formal: "Irate" is a more formal word than words like "angry," "mad," or "furious.” It’s often found in news reports, official correspondence, and literature.
  • Dramatic: It carries a slightly dramatic connotation. It suggests a heightened level of anger, almost bordering on a rage.

4. Synonyms (Alternatives - Choose Based on Context):

Here’s a list of words that can be substituted for "irate," depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey:

  • Angry: (General, most common) “He was angry.”
  • Furious: (Stronger than angry) “She was furious.”
  • Enraged: (Very angry, often involving intense feelings) “He was enraged by the betrayal.”
  • Indignant: (Angry because something is perceived as unfair or wrong) “She was indignant at the injustice.”
  • Outraged: (Similar to indignant, but suggesting a greater level of shock and anger) “The public was outraged by the scandal.”
  • Livid: (Describes a physical manifestation of anger – often referring to a flushed face and clenched fists) “He was livid and stormed out.”
  • Incensed: (Similar to indignant, often suggesting a formal complaint) “He was incensed by the delay.”

5. Example Sentences - Showing Different Nuances:

  • Simple Anger: “The driver was angry when the car wouldn’t start.”
  • Stronger Anger (Furious): “The athlete was furious after losing the championship game.”
  • Anger Due to Injustice (Indignant): “She was indignant about the discriminatory hiring practices.”
  • Extreme Anger (Irate): “The protesters were irate following the announcement of the policy change.”

6. Important Note: While "irate" is used, overuse can sound a bit stiff or overly dramatic in casual conversation.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on (e.g., a news article, a novel, a personal email)?
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you were considering using "irate"?

Synonyms for the word irate

Practice with vocabulary irate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee members grew increasingly _____ as the presenter continued to disregard their questions and concerns.
  2. Despite the initial setback, the team remained remarkably _____ with their progress towards the project deadline.
  3. Upon discovering the unauthorized access to sensitive company data, the IT director was absolutely _____ and demanded an immediate security audit.
  4. The customer became exceptionally _____ when the warranty claim for his faulty equipment was repeatedly denied without valid explanation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words describes a state of intense anger or fury, often in response to perceived injustice? A) Serene B) Indifferent C) Irate D) Ecstatic E) Furious

  2. After enduring countless technical issues and unhelpful customer service representatives, the user felt completely _____ by the software. A) appeased B) tranquil C) exasperated D) delighted E) contented

  3. The community members were particularly _____ about the proposed construction project that threatened the local park. A) calm B) indifferent C) enraged D) irate E) complacent

  4. Which words best convey a feeling of mild displeasure or annoyance, perhaps at a minor inconvenience rather than a grave offense? A) Livid B) Annoyed C) Vexed D) Jubilant E) Elated

  5. Seeing the deliberate damage inflicted upon the public property, the mayor's office issued a statement describing officials as profoundly _____. A) amused B) thrilled C) irate D) content E) seething

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager was extremely angry about the employees' late submission of the crucial report.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "irate" or a related word form.

  2. Her inability to resolve the persistent technical issue made her feel very annoyed.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "annoyed" (do not use "irate").

  3. The constant delays and lack of communication made many shareholders very angry.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "irate" or a related word form.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee members grew increasingly frustrated as the presenter continued to disregard their questions and concerns.
  2. Despite the initial setback, the team remained remarkably content with their progress towards the project deadline.
  3. Upon discovering the unauthorized access to sensitive company data, the IT director was absolutely irate and demanded an immediate security audit.
  4. The customer became exceptionally irate when the warranty claim for his faulty equipment was repeatedly denied without valid explanation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) Irate, E) Furious
  2. C) exasperated
  3. C) enraged, D) irate
  4. B) Annoyed, C) Vexed
  5. C) irate, E) seething

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager was irate regarding the employees' late submission of the crucial report.
  2. Her inability to resolve the persistent technical issue left her feeling exasperated.
  3. Many shareholders became irate due to the constant delays and lack of communication.

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