CEFR C2

acerbity

Translation

辛辣さ / 厳しさ / とげとげしさ

Meaning

Sharpness or bitterness in speech, manner, or temperament. It describes a way of speaking or behaving that is harsh, critical, and often unpleasant, like a sour taste but applied to a person's attitude.

Examples

She was surprised by the acerbity of his response to her simple question.
She was surprised by the acerbity of his response to her simple question.
The political debate was marked by an unusual degree of acerbity from both candidates.
The political debate was marked by an unusual degree of acerbity from both candidates.

Definition

意味: 話し方、態度、気質における鋭さや苦々しさのことです。それは、酸っぱい味覚のように、人の態度に適用された、厳しく、批判的で、しばしば不快な話し方や振る舞い方を表します。

Examples / 例文

She was surprised by the acerbity of his response to her simple question. — She was surprised by the acerbity of his response to her simple question.

The political debate was marked by an unusual degree of acerbity from both candidates. — The political debate was marked by an unusual degree of acerbity from both candidates.

Despite his outward acerbity, he was known to be a deeply compassionate man in private. — Despite his outward acerbity, he was known to be a deeply compassionate man in private.

How to Use Acerbity

the acerbity of [noun] (description)

Highlights the source or subject of the harshness. — "The acerbity of his tone was unmistakable."

marked by acerbity (description)

Indicates that acerbity is a prominent characteristic. — "The discussion was marked by acerbity from start to finish."

with acerbity (description)

Describes how something is done or said. — "He delivered the criticism with acerbity."