Acerbic: meaning, definitions and examples

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acerbic

[ əˈsɜː.bɪk ]

^{Context #1}

tone

sharp and forthright, typically in a way that is critical

Synonyms

biting, caustic, cutting, sharp, tart

Examples of usage

she was acerbic about her partner's shortcomings
his acerbic wit

^{Context #2}

taste

sour or bitter in taste

Synonyms

acidic, bitter, pungent, sour, tart

Examples of usage

the acerbic flavor of the lemon
an acerbic aftertaste

Translations

Translations of the word "acerbic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ácido

🇮🇳 कटु

🇩🇪 sauer

🇮🇩 asam

🇺🇦 кислий

🇵🇱 kwaśny

🇯🇵 酸っぱい (すっぱい)

🇫🇷 acide

🇪🇸 ácido

🇹🇷 ekşi

🇰🇷 신

🇸🇦 حامض

🇨🇿 kyselý

🇸🇰 kyslý

🇨🇳 酸的 (suān de)

🇸🇮 kisel

🇮🇸 súr

🇰🇿 қышқыл

🇬🇪 მჟავე

🇦🇿 turş

🇲🇽 ácido

Word origin

The word 'acerbic' originated from the Latin word 'acerbicus', meaning sour or bitter. It first appeared in English in the early 19th century. The term has evolved to describe not only a sour taste but also a sharp and critical tone in language.