How to pronounce acerbic
Say it like uh-SER-bik. Acerbic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce acerbic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- SER
- bik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Acerbic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of acerbic
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uh-SUR-bik.
What does acerbic mean?
- Tasting sour or bitter.
- Sharp, harsh, biting.
Where does acerbic come from?
Attested since the 17th century, from Latin acerbus (“sour, bitter”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying acerbic
How do you pronounce acerbic?
Say uh-SER-bik. The American pronunciation is /əˈsərbɪk/. In British English it is /əˈsɜːbɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in acerbic?
Acerbic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SER). Broken into parts: uh · SER · bik.
Is acerbic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /əˈsɜːbɪk/ (uh-SUR-bik).