acerbically
|a-cerb-ic-al-ly|
C1
🇺🇸
/əˈsɜːrbɪkli/
🇬🇧
/əˈsɜːbɪkli/
(acerbic)
sharp or bitter
Etymology
Etymology Information
'acerbically' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acerbus,' where 'acer-' meant 'sharp' or 'bitter.'
Historical Evolution
'acerbus' transformed into the English word 'acerbic,' and eventually became the adverb 'acerbically' in modern English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'sharp or bitter in taste,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'sharp or biting in tone.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that is sharp, harsh, or biting in tone or taste.
He spoke acerbically about the company's failures.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/17 16:51