Acrimony
/ˈæk.rɪ.mə.ni/noun
Bitterness or harshness in speech, manner, or temper.
Did you know?Acrimony comes from Latin *acrimonia*, built on *acer* meaning “sharp” or “pungent,” the same ancient root behind words for intensity, edge, and biting force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ak-
“to be sharp, pointed, or piercing”
Latin
Latin
acer
“sharp, pungent, keen, severe”
Latin
Latin
acrimonia
“sharpness; bitterness; pungency”
Middle English
English
acrimonie
“sharpness in taste or feeling; bitterness”
Modern English
English
acrimony
“harsh, bitter feeling or speech”