Definition

A quality that is sharp or bitter, often used to describe a sour taste or a harsh manner in speech or behavior.

Example

The acerbity of her remarks left everyone in the room feeling uncomfortable.

Conversation

Have you noticed the acerbity in his comments lately?

Yeah, it seems like he's been in a bad mood.

I wonder what’s causing that kind of acerbity from him.

Maybe he's just stressed about work or something.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Acerbity is formed from "acerbus" (meaning harsh or bitter) in Latin, combined with the suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or quality of). The word describes the state of being harsh or bitter, particularly in taste or manner.

Memory Tip

Think of 'acerbus' meaning harsh or bitter, and remember that 'acerbity' refers to the quality of being harsh or bitter.

Visually Confused Words