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acridity,bite,crabbiness,irascibility,sharpness,sourness
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harshness, gentleness, mildness, softness
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acerbity,acrimony,bitterness
SAT 7 (Scholastic Assessment Test), Vilification and Vitriol, Disenchantment and Discontent
asperity
IPA
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Dictionary definition of asperity
The quality of being harsh, severe, or rough, whether in tone, manner, or physical texture.
"She responded to the criticism with asperity, her words sharp and biting."
Detailed meaning of asperity
It can describe the roughness of a surface or the sharpness of a sound, but it is also used metaphorically to characterize harshness in interpersonal communication, behavior, or attitude. Asperity may manifest as sharpness or severity in one's words, actions, or demeanor, often leading to a sense of bitterness, acrimony, or conflict in human interactions. This term underscores the idea of a lack of gentleness or moderation, often implying a degree of harshness that can be emotionally or socially challenging to navigate. In summary, "asperity" pertains to the presence of harshness, severity, or roughness in various aspects of life, whether physical or interpersonal.
Example sentences containing asperity
1. He spoke with asperity, his tone harsh and biting.
2. The meeting was conducted with asperity, as tempers flared and voices were raised.
3. He wrote the letter with asperity, his words harsh and critical.
4. She spoke with asperity, her words heavy with sarcasm.
5. The negotiations were conducted with asperity, as both sides took a hardline stance.
6. He greeted her with asperity, his tone cold and unfriendly.
History and etymology of asperity
The noun 'asperity' comes from the Latin word 'asperitas,' which is derived from 'asper,' meaning 'rough' or 'harsh.' In Latin, 'asperitas' was used to describe both physical roughness and metaphorical harshness in tone or character. As this term transitioned into English, 'asperity' retained its dual meaning, referring to the quality of being harsh, severe, or rough, whether in one's tone and manner of speaking or in the physical texture of something. The etymology of 'asperity' emphasizes the idea of roughness and harshness, whether in the texture of a surface or in the way one communicates, highlighting the abrasive or severe nature associated with this term.
Further usage examples of asperity
1. She addressed the crowd with asperity, her words harsh and unyielding.
2. The discussion was marked by asperity, as tempers grew hot and accusations were made.
3. He criticized the proposal with asperity, his words harsh and dismissive.
4. She dealt with the problem with asperity, her manner brisk and no-nonsense.
5. The debate was conducted with asperity, as both sides took a strong and uncompromising stance.
6. The unexpected asperity in his tone left everyone taken aback.
7. She lashed out with surprising asperity during the argument.
8. The sharp asperity in his voice hinted at his irritation.
9. The asperity of the blizzard made travel impossible.
10. Her asperity often strained even the strongest relationships.
11. Navigating the rugged terrain's asperity proved challenging.
12. He approached the issue with unnecessary asperity.
13. The escalating argument was marked by increased asperity.
14. His asperity concealed a vulnerability he rarely revealed.
15. The relentless asperity of the storm battered the ship.
16. Her persistent asperity made approaching her difficult.
17. They faced the unforgiving asperity of the untamed wilderness.
18. His reputation for asperity in negotiations preceded him.
19. The emotional asperity in her words left lasting wounds.
20. The rough asperity of the surface made it uncomfortable.
21. Their mutual asperity toward each other was evident to all.
22. The asperity of the sea's waves crashed against the shore.
23. He responded with an unexpected asperity that surprised everyone.
24. Her asperity was a facade hiding a fragile heart.
25. The biting asperity of the critique was unsettling to many.
26. His asperity served as a defense mechanism for his insecurities.
27. The relentless asperity of winter's grip chilled them to the bone.
28. Her asperity often acted as a barrier to forming new friendships.
29. The asperity in his expression raised concerns among the group.
30. Despite the asperity they encountered, they persevered together.
