acerbic

American  

[uh-sur-bik] / əˈsɜr bɪk /

adjective

1. sour or astringent in taste.

   Lemon juice is acerbic.

2. harsh or severe, as of temper or expression.

   acerbic criticism.

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acerbic British  

/ əˈsɜːbɪk /

adjective

1. harsh, bitter, or astringent; sour

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Other Word Forms

• acerbically adverb
• unacerbic adjective
• unacerbically adverb

Etymology

Origin of acerbic

1860–65; < Latin acerb ( us ) sour, unripe, bitterly harsh + -ic, irregular for -ous

Example Sentences

Ms. McGarr, who teaches at University of Wisconsin-Madison, is often acerbic about her subjects but notes that they were “awash in patriotic fervor at the same time that they were distrustful and cynical.”

From The Wall Street Journal

As a younger man, Munger could be cranky and acerbic; now, he was warm and reflective.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet it’s also, via Hart’s acerbic bon mots, an incisive exploration of two opposing views of art.

From The Wall Street Journal

In previous administrations, Defense Department officials — including the acerbic Rumsfeld — would hold regular press briefings, often twice a week.

From Salon

An acerbic news editor, using a tone that might get him into trouble these days, told me to leave the building to use my own eyes and ears, and to talk to people.

From BBC

Related Words

• caustic
• harsh
• sharp