acerb

• Beschreibt eine Person, ihre Art, eine Bemerkung oder einen Ton als scharf, beißend, spöttisch oder verletzend. Bezieht sich auf einen bitteren, sarkastischen oder grob verletzenden Charakter.

Describes a person's tone, manner, or remark as sharp, bitter, or harsh in temper or expression.

1. Sour or bitter in tasteC1formal

   Having a sharp, acidic, or astringent flavor.

   Sauer oder bitter im Geschmack

   • The acerb taste of the unripe fruit made him pucker.
   • She found the wine too acerb for her palate.
   • The lemon had an acerb quality that cut through the sweetness.

   Synonymeacidacidicacridastringentbitterpungentsharpsourtartvinegary

   Antonymeblandmellowsweet

2. Harsh or corrosive in toneC1formal

   Expressing criticism or bitterness in a sharp, cutting manner.

   Scharf oder ätzend im Ton

   • His acerb remarks during the debate offended many listeners.
   • The critic's review was notably acerb and dismissive.
   • She responded with an acerb wit that silenced the room.

   Synonymeacerbicacidbittercausticcorrosivecuttingharshmordantscathingsharptrenchantvitriolic

   Antonymegentlekindmildsoothingsweet