What does asperity mean? Read below for the definition.

Quick vocab quiz for the word asperity

First, before you read about the word asperity, try this quick vocab quiz:

asperity most nearly means

(A) aid (B) delay (C) rancor (D) gap (E) deluge

Write your answer down, or just store it in that razor-sharp mind of yours. (If you can’t wait, the answer is below.)

Now let’s learn about the word asperity.

Part of Speech of asperity

asperity is a NOUN.

Pronunciation asperity

Here’s how to pronounce asperity:

IPA: /ə.ˈspɛ.rə.ti/

Glossary-style: [uh-SPEH-ruh-tee]

Definition of asperity

asperity means: harshness or bitterness of manner, behavior, or speech (Ex: The judge spoke to the criminal with asperity).

Angry cat with angry birds
An angry cat with some angry birds, all showing various degrees of ASPERITY. (Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mseckington/)

Explain more about asperity, please

asperity may sound like a highfalutin (great word that), but the meaning is relatively simple–it means a kind of anger that someone feels or expresses towards others in some situations. For example, if you’re angry with someone, you may speak with asperity, either purposely or unconsciously, by using a loud voice, by frowning or scowling, or by being unfriendly.

Example of asperity

Here’s the word asperity used in a sentence:

We could not help but speak with asperity to the people who had vandalized the tree house we’d spent three weeks building.

If you’ve read this far, you’re a great student and will learn vocabulary quickly. You may now check your answer.

Answer to the quick vocab quiz

[spoiler]The best answer is C. Any questions? Please feel free to post them in the comments. We love comments. :)[/spoiler]

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