Acrimonious

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌæk.ɹɪˈməʊ.nɪ.əs/

Definitions

1. Describing a tone or manner that is harsh and filled with resentment
2. Having a sharp and bitter quality in speech or demeanor that shows deep anger
3. Exhibiting hostility and bitterness in tone or attitude, often marked by harshness

Etymology: Latin "ācer" meant "sharp," and its sharpness could be physical or emotional. Its derived noun "ācrimōnia" covered pungency, the bite of a sour taste, and also a harshness of manner. English took "acrimony" from that Latin noun, and "acrimonious" was then built on the English noun with the ending "-ous," meaning "full of." Medieval French had a parallel formation, "acrimonieux," which reached English in the same spirit, so the word's shape reflects a Latin chain that passed through French. The Latin root "ācer" is also the source of "acid" and "acerbic," so the same sharpness that once described a sour flavour now describes a sour argument. Both "acerbic" and "acrimonious" trace back to this one ancient adjective, though they reached English by different routes.

Synonyms: bitter, hostile, sarcastic, sharp, caustic

Antonyms: harmonious, civil, friendly, peaceful, cordial