irate

eye-RATE /aɪˈreɪt/

adjectiveB2SATGRETOEFL

formaljournalisticgeneral

Feeling or characterized by extreme anger.

Implies active, animated anger usually directed at a specific target or grievance, common in customer service and public disputes.

The story behind the word. Irate comes directly from the Latin verb 'irasci' (to be angry), stemming from 'ira' (anger). It entered English in the 19th century as a direct description of active, focused wrath, preserving its original Roman sense of heated indignation.

Word relationships

enraged: Enraged emphasizes a total loss of composure, whereas irate often describes sharp, active vocal protest.
furious: Furious can refer to intense activity or emotion, while irate specifically targets an object of anger.

placid: Placid implies an unruffled, calm disposition devoid of anger.
delighted: Delighted expresses strong happiness rather than hostility.

Commonly confused with

irritable: Irritable means easily annoyed; irate means actively and intensely angry.

Word family

irately (adverb): In an extremely angry manner.
irateness (noun): The state of being irate.

Collocations

irate customer
irate caller
irate letter
irate mob

Idioms & expressions

fly off the handle

Example sentences

"An irate customer demanded an immediate audience with the store manager after being double-charged." Customer service conflict
"The town meeting was disrupted by irate residents protesting the planned highway expansion." Public protest context

Memory hook

Think of an IRATE person whose temper climbs at a high RATE. High rate of anger = irate.

When not to use

Do not use for mild irritation or quiet, passive sadness.

Fun facts

The root 'ira' also gives us the word 'irascible', describing someone who becomes irate easily.

Related words

fury, wrath

Explore more words

irascible, berate, diatribe, animosity, vociferate, vituperation