acrimony
UK: ˈæk.rɪ.mə.ni | US: ˈæk.rəˌmoʊ.ni
n. bitterness or harshness in tone, temper, or manner
n. sharpness or severity of language or feeling
acrimony = acri<sharp, bitter> + mony<noun suffix>
- acri: From Latin acer (sharp, bitter), reflecting a cutting or harsh quality.
- mony: A noun-forming suffix derived from Latin -monia, indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word acrimony traces back to Latin acrimonia, combining acer (sharp) with the abstract noun suffix -monia. It originally described physical sharpness but evolved metaphorically to denote verbal or emotional harshness by the 16th century. The shift mirrors how "sharpness" in many languages extends from sensory to interpersonal contexts (e.g., "bitter words").
Their debate was filled with acrimony, leaving both parties resentful.
The divorce proceedings dissolved into acrimony over financial disputes.
Despite their past friendship, their emails now carry an undertone of acrimony.
Political discussions often degenerate into acrimony when compromise is absent.
She responded with uncharacteristic acrimony after being unfairly criticized.