Acerb

Acerb (adjective) refers to something that is harsh, sour, or severe in tone, manner, or taste. It can describe a bitter attitude or a sharp edge in communication, indicating a lack of sweetness or softness in expression or flavor. The term is often used to characterize remarks or behaviors that are cutting or caustic, suggesting a discontent that is articulated in a pointed or biting fashion.

Acerb meaning with examples

• During the debate, her acerb comments about the opponent's policies shocked the audience, highlighting the hostility that can arise in political discussions, leaving some supporters wondering if the approach was more damaging than helpful, especially when diplomacy could have eased tensions.
• The acerb quality of his critique left the writer feeling disheartened, as it pointed out not only flaws in the manuscript but did so in a way that felt personal, indicating that even constructive feedback can sometimes sting when delivered without care for feelings.
• At the dinner party, the acerb jokes made by one guest created an uncomfortable atmosphere, overshadowing the evening's light-hearted intentions, demonstrating that humor can quickly turn sour and lead to tensions rising among friends gathered to celebrate.
• The book review was praised for its acerb wit, amusingly capturing the essence of literary flaws while simultaneously entertaining the audience with a sharp analysis, revealing that cleverness in critique is appreciated if it strikes the right balance between honesty and humor.
• As she listened to the acerb remarks of her colleagues, she realized that the workplace culture had shifted to one that tolerates less kindness, a concerning trend that may lead to decreased morale among employees who thrive in supportive environments.