acerbities
|a-cer-bi-ties|
C2
🇺🇸
/əˈsɜːrbɪtiz/
🇬🇧
/əˈsɜːbɪtiz/
(acerbity)
sharpness in tone
Etymology
Etymology Information
'acerbity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acerbitas,' where 'acerbus' meant 'bitter or harsh.'
Historical Evolution
'acerbitas' transformed into the Old French word 'acerbite,' and eventually became the modern English word 'acerbity' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'bitter or harsh,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'sharpness or bitterness of temper, mood, or tone.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality of being acerbic; sharpness or bitterness of temper, mood, or tone.
The acerbities in his speech were hard to ignore.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/17 17:36