DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Ac·ri·mo·ny n.; pl. Acrimonies
 1. A quality of bodies which corrodes or destroys others; also, a harsh or biting sharpness; as, the acrimony of the juices of certain plants. [Archaic]
 2. Sharpness or severity, as of language or temper; irritating bitterness of disposition or manners.
    John the Baptist set himself with much acrimony and indignation to baffle this senseless arrogant conceit of theirs.   --South.
 Syn: -- Acrimony, Asperity, Harshness, Tartness.
 Usage: These words express different degrees of angry feeling or language. Asperity and harshness arise from angry feelings, connected with a disregard for the feelings of others. Harshness usually denotes needless severity or an undue measure of severity. Acrimony is a biting sharpness produced by an imbittered spirit. Tartness denotes slight asperity and implies some degree of intellectual readiness. Tartness of reply; harshness of accusation; acrimony of invective.
    In his official letters he expressed, with great acrimony, his contempt for the king's character.   --Macaulay.
    It is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received.   --Johnson.
    A just reverence of mankind prevents the growth of harshness and brutality.   --Shaftesbury.
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