adjective

irate

/aɪˈreɪt/ · say it: eye·RAYT

extremely angry

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (adjective) very angry

2. (adjective) characterized by or showing intense anger

Examples

1. The customer was irate when he discovered the restaurant had lost his reservation.
2. She gave an irate response to the accusation.

How to use irate

Irate is a formal or literary adjective meaning extremely angry, typically used to describe someone's emotional state or their behavior in a particular moment. It is common in customer service contexts (irate customer) and formal writing, conveying a stronger, more dignified intensity than angry or mad, though it can feel somewhat old-fashioned in casual speech.

Common phrases

irate customer
irate caller
irate response
become irate
irate tone

Synonyms

furious · enraged · incensed · livid · seething

Opposites

calm · peaceful · content

Word family

irately (adverb) · irateness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use irate as a noun (e.g., 'the irate') when it functions only as an adjective; also, it is occasionally confused with orate (to speak formally) due to similar pronunciation.

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