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Asperity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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asperity

[รฆหˆspษ›rษชti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

harshness, severity

Asperity refers to the harshness or severity of tone, manner, or attitude. It can also describe roughness or unevenness in a surface. Often, it is used to characterize someone's demeanor or the nature of a relationship.

Synonyms

bitterness, harshness, roughness, sternness.

Examples of usage

  • The asperity in his voice made it clear he was upset.
  • She spoke with asperity, which surprised her friends.
  • The asperity of the road made the driving conditions difficult.
  • His asperity during the meeting was uncharacteristic.

Translations

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Origin of 'asperity'

The word 'asperity' comes from the Latin word 'asperitas,' which means roughness, harshness, or severity. This Latin term derives from 'asper,' meaning 'rough' or 'rude.' The term has been used in the English language since the late Middle Ages and has maintained a relatively consistent meaning throughout its history. Initially, it found use in describing physical surfaces that were unrefined or uneven, but over time, it adopted a broader application to refer to emotional tone and interpersonal interactions. The evolution of 'asperity' reflects changing attitudes towards communication and the nuances of human behavior, ranging from social interactions to literary expressions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,753, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.