Words / C2

uh-SPER-uh-tee/əˈsperəti/

Asperity is harshness of tone or manner: answer with asperity, the asperity of the reply. Severity can be about rules or weather; asperity is specifically sharp speech. Austerity is economic tightness — different word. Soften asperity with please and a reason, or you sound rude.

Meaning

Harshness of tone or manner (formal).

Examples

• “She answered with asperity when the question was repeated.”
• “There was asperity in his voice when the deadline slipped again.”
• “She disliked the asperity of the examiner’s comments, though they were fair.”

Good to know

with asperity / the asperity of a remark. Mix-up: austerity (economy).

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