acerbity

[ uh-sur-bi-tee ]

noun

1. sourness, with roughness or astringency of taste.
2. harshness or severity, as of temper or expression.

acerbity

/ əˈsɜːbɪtɪ /

noun

1. vitriolic or embittered speech, temper, etc
2. sourness or bitterness of taste

Word History and Origins

Origin of acerbity¹

From the Latin word acerbitās, dating back to 1565–75. See acerbic, -ity

Example Sentences

A new acerbity surfaced when Mr. Xi warned Chinese diplomats that they needed a “new fighting spirit” during a period that coincided with mass protests in Hong Kong against the Communist Party’s rule.

From New York Times

The Academy Awards for the movies of 1988 were awash in bluntness, cruelty and acerbity.

From New York Times

Pete, played with microscopic gradations of acerbity and unease by the wonderful Toby Jones, has spent years staying out of the world’s way, stitching himself a small cloak of invisibility.

From New York Times

With humor and a touch of good-natured acerbity, the two converse and even argue over the finer points of their craft.

From New York Times

Yet she somehow manages to balance her acerbity with an essential sweetness — a refreshing quality in this era of internet snark.

From Los Angeles Times