Acerbate

Pronunciation: /ˈæsərˌbeɪt/

Definitions of acerbate

verb to make something more intense or severe; to irritate or provoke

Example Sentences

A1 I don't want to acerbate the situation by saying something mean.

A2 Her sarcastic comments acerbated the tension in the room.

B1 His constant criticism only served to acerbate the already strained relationship.

B2 The political debate acerbated the divide between the two parties.

C1 The heated argument only served to acerbate their differences further.

C2 The harsh criticism from the media acerbated the public's distrust in the government.

Examples of acerbate in a Sentence

formal The harsh criticism only served to acerbate the already tense situation.

informal Her sarcastic remarks just acerbated the argument.

slang His snarky comments really acerbated the mood in the room.

figurative Adding fuel to the fire only acerbates the issue at hand.

Grammatical Forms of acerbate

• past tense: acerbated
• plural: acerbates
• comparative: more acerbate
• superlative: most acerbate
• present tense: acerbate
• future tense: will acerbate
• perfect tense: has acerbated
• continuous tense: is acerbating
• singular: acerbate
• positive degree: acerbate
• infinitive: to acerbate
• gerund: acerbating
• participle: acerbating

Origin and Evolution of acerbate

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'acerbate' originated from the Latin word 'acerbāre', meaning to make bitter or sour.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'acerbate' has come to be used more broadly to describe something that irritates or annoys, in addition to its original meaning of making something bitter or sour.