How to pronounce acerbity
Say it like uh-SUR-bih-tee. Acerbity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce acerbity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- SUR
- bih
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Acerbity 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.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of acerbity
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: uh-SUR-bih-tee.
What does acerbity mean?
- Sourness of taste, with bitterness and astringency, like that of unripe fruit.
- Harshness, bitterness, or severity.“acerbity of temper, of language, of pain”
- Something harsh (e.g. a remark, act or experience).
Where does acerbity come from?
Borrowed from French acerbité, from Latin acerbitās (“acerbity; harshness”), from acerbus (“bitter”).
Questions about saying acerbity
How do you pronounce acerbity?
Say uh-SUR-bih-tee. The American pronunciation is /əˈsɝbɪti/. In British English it is /əˈsɜːbɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in acerbity?
Acerbity has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SUR). Broken into parts: uh · SUR · bih · tee.
Is acerbity 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 /əˈsɜːbɪti/ (uh-SUR-bih-tee).