V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
asperity
noun
Definition: 1. harshness or severity in manner or tone; 2. something difficult to endure
Synonyms: harshness, sharpness, bitterness, acrimony, severity, stringency, hardship, difficulty, roughness
Antonyms: mildness, gentleness
Tips: Asperity is derived from the Latin esper, "rough." Asperity can be used to refer to both the actions and manner of a person, as well as the actual roughness of a physical surface. Asperity is similar to abrasive (rough, harsh) in both its literal and figurative use. Abrasive is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is harsh, while asperity is a noun meaning "harshness." "The abrasive (rough, harsh) man was known for his asperity (harshness) and mean spirit."
Usage Examples:
Cliff's asperity toward others made Jim afraid to ask him for help. (bitterness, harshness)
Bankruptcy and our subsequent financial problems were asperities I hope our company will never have to endure again. (hardships)
The woman was once known for her kindness, but many troubles had changed her demeanor to one of insensitivity and asperity. (harshness, bitterness)
The military commander treated his new recruits with asperity, offering no sympathy or fatherliness. (severity, harshness)
Discover How You Can Improve Your
Vocabulary 10 to 100 Times Faster with
the Power Vocabulary Builder
Dear Friend,
The definition and lessons for the word asperity were made available by the Power Vocabulary Builder.
The Power Vocabulary Builder will help you develop a fuller, richer vocabulary 10 to 100 times faster than any other program available.
Visit the the Power Vocabulary Builder site right now to discover how you can get full access to this breakthrough program today!
suave - Definition of suave
denounce - Definition of denounce
correlate - Definition of correlate
staunch - Definition of staunch
philistine - Definition of philistine
