'acerbly' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acerbus,' where 'acer-' meant 'sharp' or 'bitter.'

'acerbus' transformed into the French word 'acerbe,' and eventually became the modern English word 'acerbic,' from which 'acerbly' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'sharp or bitter in taste,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'sharp or biting in tone.'