acerbic | acerbity
Exam frequency
GRE
high
Banks
high
Civil Services
high
Meaning(s)
sharp or bitingly critical
How to Memorize
acerbic - biting
Analysis
To be ‘acerbic’ is to be harshly bitter or cutting towards somebody. Like the similar term ‘acidic’, this word connotes something corrosive that has the potential to be damaging to both you and others. It is typically used to express a caustic tone or language that is liable to cause offence.
| Exams | Spoken | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synonyms | cutting,caustic | ||
| Antonyms | gracious |
Example(s)
I can’t believe you took such an acerbic tone with your boss! You clearly have no respect for authority.
The comedian’s acerbic wit caused a bit of a stir. Some found it funny while others thought it was highly offensive.
The journalist’s articles are often sharp and forthright, but from time to time she balances her acerbity with gentle humour.