Meaning & Definition of word "Acerbic"
Acerbic
/əˈsɜːrbɪk/
adjective:
- 1. having a sharp or bitter taste or smell.
- Example: The acerbic flavor of the lemon made the dish remarkably refreshing.
- 2. sharp and forthright in speech or writing; biting or cutting in tone.
- Example: Her acerbic comments during the meeting left many of her colleagues uncomfortable.
- 3. harsh or severe in criticism.
- Example: His acerbic review of the play stunned the actors and critics alike.
Etymology
●Derived from Latin 'acerbus', meaning 'harsh' or 'bitter'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
acerbic wit:
A form of humor that is sharp and often cutting.
acerbic comment:
A remark that is biting or harshly critical.
Related Words
acerbity:
The quality of being acerbic.
acerbate:
To make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.
Slang Meanings of acerbic
Meaning: Biting humor
● Example Sentence: Her acerbic humor often left people unsure whether to laugh or be offended.
Meaning: Sarcastic remarks
● Example Sentence: He replied with an acerbic remark that silenced the room.