acerb

• Décrit un ton, une manière ou une remarque comme étant mordant, caustique ou brusque, souvent dans le but de blesser ou de critiquer avec une pointe d'aigreur.

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.

   Acerbe (goût)

   • 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.

   Synonymesacidacidicacridastringentbitterpungentsharpsourtartvinegary

   Antonymesblandmellowsweet

2. Harsh or corrosive in toneC1formal

   Expressing criticism or bitterness in a sharp, cutting manner.

   Acerbe, mordant

   • 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.

   Synonymesacerbicacidbittercausticcorrosivecuttingharshmordantscathingsharptrenchantvitriolic

   Antonymesgentlekindmildsoothingsweet