Acerbities

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A state of harshness or bitterness in speech or behavior
2. A quality of sharpness or sourness that can express discontent or criticism
3. A characteristic of being caustic or cutting in one's remarks or attitudes towards others

Etymology: Acerbities is the plural of "acerbity," so it refers to several instances of the quality. The Latin "acerbus" originally described things that tasted sour or harsh, such as unripe fruit or sharp wine. Its meaning moved from taste to temperament, so a person's sharp, cutting remarks came to be called acerbic, and the quality itself, acerbity. "Acerbus" is built on the Latin root "acer," meaning sharp or keen, which also lies behind English "acrid" and "acrimony." That shared root explains why all three words suggest a biting edge, whether it is a smell, a sour taste, or a cutting tongue. The English noun "acerbity" is an inherited Latin formation, and its plural is a regular English one.

Synonyms: bitterness, harshness, severity, sharpness, acrimony

Antonyms: sweetness, mildness, gentleness, tenderness, kindness