Acrimoniously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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acrimoniously

[ˌækrɪˈmoʊniəsli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used in a dispute or argument

In a bitter, sharp, or harsh manner, typically involving strong feelings of anger or resentment.

Synonyms

angrily, bitterly, harshly, resentfully.

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Word Description / Examples
acrimoniously

Used in situations involving conflict or heated debate, often in formal or legal settings.

  • The partners acrimoniously debated the terms of their agreement
  • She spoke acrimoniously of her former employer during the trial
bitterly

Best for expressing emotional pain and resentment, often about something that has happened in the past.

  • She spoke bitterly about her failed marriage
  • He bitterly remembered the lost opportunity
harshly

Used when someone is being overly critical or severe in their judgment or actions.

  • The teacher spoke harshly to the student who missed the assignment
  • He was harshly criticized for his mistakes
angrily

Used in everyday situations where someone is expressing strong emotions in a heated or irate manner.

  • He angrily slammed the door
  • She shouted angrily at the driver who cut her off
resentfully

Used when someone is harboring feelings of envy or bitterness, particularly when they feel wronged or unfairly treated.

  • She looked resentfully at her colleague who received the promotion
  • He spoke resentfully about the unfair treatment he received at work

Examples of usage

  • The two politicians debated acrimoniously on live television.
  • She argued acrimoniously with her neighbor over the property line.
  • The divorce proceedings ended acrimoniously, with both parties feeling bitter and resentful.
  • The siblings fought acrimoniously over their inheritance.
  • The business partners parted ways acrimoniously after a disagreement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Many psychologists note that acrimonious interactions can lead to increased stress and anxiety for those involved.
  • Conflict resolution strategies often emphasize the importance of avoiding acrimonious exchanges to promote healthier communication.
  • Studies have shown that overly acrimonious environments can negatively impact relationships and teamwork in workplaces.

Literature

  • In classic literature, acrimonious dialogues often coincide with key conflicts in character development, emphasizing moral dilemmas.
  • Many playwrights utilize acrimonious exchanges to create tension, showcasing the depth of conflict within human relationships.
  • Acrimoniously written scenes are common in drama to convey the intensity of emotions and the stakes of the characters' relationships.

Current Events

  • Political debates often feature acrimonious exchanges, highlighting divisions and emotional stakes in discussions on policy.
  • In modern media, acrimonious relationships are often sensationalized in reality TV, drawing viewer attention to drama and conflict.
  • Social media platforms frequently host acrimonious exchanges, which can foster negative interactions and contribute to online toxicity.

Communication

  • Using acrimonious language can hinder effective communication, turning potential resolutions into deeper conflicts.
  • Non-verbal cues, like body language and tone, can amplify the acrimonious nature of spoken words, affecting how messages are received.
  • Understanding how to phrase thoughts without engaging in acrimony is a key component of emotional intelligence.

Origin of 'acrimoniously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the Latin word 'acer,' meaning sharp or bitter, which relates to its current meaning of being harsh or biting.
  • It entered the English language in the early 19th century, evolving from the philosophy of bitterness in both taste and emotion.
  • The suffix '-ly' indicates that it describes how something is done, which provides a clue that it relates to behavior and attitude.

The word 'acrimoniously' originates from the Latin word 'acrimonia', meaning bitterness or sharpness. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, it has come to be used to describe situations or interactions marked by bitterness, resentment, or harshness, especially in disputes or arguments.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,543, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.