asperities
|as-per-i-ties|
/əˈspɛrətiz/
(asperity)
roughness; harshness
Etymology
'asperity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'asperitas', where 'asper' meant 'rough'.
'asperity' changed from the Latin word 'asperitas' into Old French 'asperité' and Middle English forms such as 'asperite', eventually becoming the modern English 'asperity'.
Initially, it meant 'roughness' (physical texture), but over time it evolved to include 'harshness' of manner or speech and figurative senses like 'difficulties'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
physical roughness or unevenness on a surface.
The mason ran his hand over the asperities of the stone to judge how much finishing it needed.
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Noun 2
harshness or sharpness of manner, tone, or temper; severity.
She answered with asperities that surprised everyone at the meeting.
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Noun 3
difficulties, obstacles, or rough spots in a process or relationship (often used in plural).
The contract negotiations proceeded smoothly at first, but later encountered several asperities.
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Last updated: 2025/10/30 20:26