Acrimonious: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin term 'acrimonia,' meaning 'sharpness' or 'bitterness.'
• It was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe harsh or bitter speech.
• The root word 'acer' means 'sharp' in Latin, which hints at the intensity of the emotions involved.

Psychology

• Frequent acrimonious interactions can lead to increased stress levels, impacting one’s mental health.
• People often become acrimonious when they feel misunderstood or not listened to.
• Hostility can be contagious; one acrimonious person can influence the mood of a whole group.

Literature

• The theme of acrimony often appears in classic literature, highlighting the consequences of anger and conflict.
• Famous authors like Charles Dickens and Arthur Miller have used acrimonious characters to illustrate societal issues.
• The depiction of acrimonious relationships often serves as a catalyst for character development and plot progression.

Pop Culture

• Television dramas often portray acrimonious relationships to create tension and engage viewers.
• Reality TV shows frequently feature acrimonious exchanges, as producers highlight conflict for entertainment.
• Online debates and social media often descend into acrimonious arguments, reflecting broader societal divisions.

Conflict Resolution

• Acrimonious situations can often be mended by incorporating empathy and active listening.
• Mediation skills are essential to move past acrimonious feelings and reach solutions in disputes.
• Understanding the root causes of acrimony can help in developing strategies for conflict resolution.

Positioned at #24,407, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 24404 orthographic
• 24405 scrawled
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• 24407 acrimonious
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