adj C1 Advanced

irate

eye-RAYT

Irate (adj) means Extremely angry, especially in a way that's directed at someone or something specific. Example: “The irate customer demanded to speak to a manager.”

adj

Extremely angry, especially in a way that's directed at someone or something specific.

"The irate customer demanded to speak to a manager."

"He left an irate voicemail after his flight got cancelled."

How to use irate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFurious — properly, visibly angry, usually with someone.

Common mistake

Irate is stronger and more pointed than "annoyed" — reserve it for real anger, not mild irritation.

Common pairings

irate customer irate email become irate

Word forms

more irate comparative, irater comparative, most irate superlative, iratest superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ customer demanded to speak to a manager.

Etymology

From Latin īrātus ("angered"), from īra ("anger, wrath").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for irate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently asked questions

What does “irate” mean?

The word “irate” means extremely angry, especially in a way that's directed at someone or something specific. In plain terms, furious — properly, visibly angry, usually with someone.

How do you pronounce “irate”?

“Irate” is pronounced eye-RAYT (/aɪˈɹeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “irate” in a sentence?

Here is “irate” used in a sentence: “The irate customer demanded to speak to a manager.”

What part of speech is “irate”?

“Irate” is an adjective.

Where does the word “irate” come from?

The word “irate” comes from Latin. From Latin īrātus ("angered"), from īra ("anger, wrath").

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