acerbity
1
9.8
- noun
- /əˈsɜːrbɪti/
- "Science has not given me the means to tell you anything else," the physician replied with the same acerbity.
Examples
-
Moiraine folded the letter, returning it to her belt pouch with a touch of acerbity in her manner.
Fiction book (1992) -
Without conceit, she knew she was intelligent, too, but her intelligence contained the sting of acerbity.
Fiction book (1999) -
Though the acerbity of their quarrels sometimes frightened the youngest of their grandchildren in the old days, it never fooled any of us.
Fiction book (1991) -
"That shows what you know about schuhplattler and yodeling," Doctor Frankenstein said with acerbity.
Fiction book (2002) -
The politician's speech was filled with acerbity, making it clear that he felt strongly about the issue.
-
Her acerbity during the meeting surprised everyone, as she usually maintained a calm demeanor.
-
Despite her acerbity, he appreciated her honesty and straightforwardness in the discussion.
Synonyms
76
3.4
A strong feeling of anger and hurt toward someone
24
9.5
Bitter, angry language that attacks people
10
8.8
A bitter, angry feeling shown in words or actions
7
6.1
A habit of speaking in a harsh, critical way
2
7.5
A sarcastic, sharply mocking way of speaking that can hurt people
1
8.1
Saying small mean things to hurt someone in a quiet way
1
7.9
A short, direct way of speaking that often seems rude
1
6.6
A rough, unfriendly way of speaking or acting
1
4.6
A harsh, sudden way of speaking that sounds unfriendly
1
7.0
A harsh, rude manner or tone that offends people
1
7.7
A short, slightly rude way of speaking to someone
1
8.2
A harsh, unkind way of speaking or acting
1
8.1
A mocking way of speaking that shows dislike or disrespect
1
3.9
A harsh quality in a voice or behavior that feels severe
1
5.6
A sharp, cutting way of speaking that sounds rude
1
9.8
A sharp, cutting way of speaking and writing that criticizes people and ideas
1
8.0
Speech or writing that is sharp and often hurts people
1
9.7
Speech or writing that is sharply critical and makes people feel bad
A tendency to make sharp, hurtful remarks
A harsh tone in speech or writing that hurts people
A sharp, bitter way of speaking that hurts people
A harsh, unfriendly manner that hurts or upsets people
Antonyms
How Harsh
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word acerbity comes from the Latin acerbus, meaning 'bitter' or 'harsh', and is related to the English acerbic. So acerbity describes a sharp, biting way of speaking that feels as unpleasant as a bitter taste.