Acerbic Meaning in English

word

US

əˈsɛɹbɪk

uh-SER-bik

UK

ɐsˈɜːbɪk

uh-SUR-bik

Definition

Describes speech or writing that is sharp, harsh, or critical, often with clever or biting humor.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly formal and literary; often used to describe criticism, wit, or tone. Common with 'remark,' 'comment,' or 'wit.' Be careful not to confuse with 'sarcastic' (more about using irony). 'Acerbic' is less common in daily spoken English.

• Spanish: áspero - mordaz - ácido (figurado)
• Portuguese (BR): ácido - mordaz - cortante
• Portuguese (PT): ácido - mordaz - cortante
• Chinese (Simplified): 尖刻的 - 辛辣的
• Chinese (Traditional): 尖刻的 - 辛辣的
• Hindi: तीखा (व्यंग्यपूर्ण)
• Arabic: لاذع - ساخر
• Bengali: তীব্র - তীক্ষ্ণ (ভাষা বা রচনা) - কটু (ব্যঙ্গাত্মক)
• Russian: язвительный - колкий - едкий
• Japanese: 辛辣な - とげのある
• Vietnamese: chua cay - gay gắt - sắc sảo (lời nói/viết)
• Korean: 신랄한 - 통렬한
• Turkish: acı - iğneleyici - keskin (söz/dil)
• Urdu: تلخ - تیز - کاٹ دار (اندازِ بیان میں)
• Indonesian: pedas - tajam - keras (gaya bicara/tulisan)

Example Sentences

Her acerbic comments made the meeting uncomfortable.

basic

The critic’s acerbic review upset the director.

basic

He spoke in an acerbic tone during the debate.

basic

Don’t take his acerbic humor too seriously; that’s just his style.

natural

His acerbic wit always gets a laugh, even if it stings a bit.

natural

The author's acerbic observations about society were both funny and thought-provoking.

natural