acerb comment
- noun
- /ˈæsɜrb ˈkɑːmɛnt/
:
comentario ácido
- He was known for his acerb comments during meetings, which often stung.
Examples
-
Her acerb comment left the entire team feeling demoralized.
-
Her acerb comment about the project shocked everyone.
-
A single acerb comment can ruin an otherwise positive discussion.
-
What an acerb comment!
-
A single acerb comment can ruin an otherwise positive discussion.
-
Her acerb comment left the entire team feeling demoralized.
-
He was known for his acerb comments during meetings, which often stung.
Synonyms
27
9.5
Bitter, angry language that attacks people
23
8.5
A long angry attack in words against someone or something
22
6.8
A strong comment that shows disapproval of someone's actions
14
6.4
A short sharp remark meant to hurt or criticize someone
10
8.8
Angry words that strongly insult someone
4
3.5
A rude remark that hurts or upsets someone
4
4.2
Very strong negative comments that show disapproval
4
7.7
A word that shows strong dislike of someone or something
1
9.3
A sharp insulting remark about someone or their actions
1
7.2
A harshly critical comment that aims to hurt or mock someone
1
7.4
A mean comment that aims to hurt someone
A very harsh and angry comment meant to hurt someone
A short sharp comment that criticizes someone in a hurtful or sarcastic way
A sharp, slightly bitter comment that can hurt feelings
A sharp, clear comment that shows deep understanding and criticizes
Very harsh comments that make someone feel hurt
A mean remark that hurts or criticizes someone
A remark that is harsh and meant to hurt someone's feelings
Antonyms
How Harsh
Surface Forms
Morphology
acerb + comment
If the learner knows the adjective 'acerb' meaning 'harsh' or 'bitter', the compound simply combines that meaning with 'comment' (a remark), so the sense 'a harsh or bitter remark' is directly and compositionally derivable. However, 'acerb' is rare/archaic (often seen as 'acerbic') and may be unfamiliar to B1 learners even though the structure itself is fully transparent.
Etymology
The phrase acerb comment comes from a word acerb that meant 'bitter' or 'sour', so imagine someone tasting a lemon and making a sharp face. So an acerb comment is like that sour taste in words, short, sharp, and 'harsh' in criticism.