ASPERITY • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Asperity

Add this Dictionary
to your website!
See more options...

/əspˈɛrɪti/ Listen

noun

Asperity n. (pl. asperities)

Roughness of surface; unevenness; opposed to smoothness. "The asperities of dry bodies."

Roughness or harshness of sound; that quality which grates upon the ear; raucity.

Roughness to the taste; sourness; tartness.

Moral roughness; roughness of manner; severity; crabbedness; harshness; opposed to mildness. "Asperity of character." "It is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received."

Sharpness; disagreeableness; difficulty. "The acclivities and asperities of duty."

Synonyms: Acrimony; moroseness; crabbedness; harshness; sourness; tartness. See Acrimony.

See images of 'Asperity'

Etymology of 'Asperity'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

Share |

Add this dictionary
to your browser search bar

"Asperity" Quotes from Famous Books

... all my own and all Colvin's clothing; I then retired to the house, and then to bed; in a condition of sorrow for myself unequalled. The sun is forth again (laus Deo) and the wind is milder, and I am greatly re-established. A certain asperity of temper still lingers, however, which Colvin ...

— The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 23 (of 25) • Robert Louis Stevenson

... exclaimed. "Sally would never go without you; and she will die, you say, unless she has change." Then hesitating, and turning very red, Hetty stammered, "I can pay you any thing—which would be necessary to compensate you: we have money enough." Dr. Eben bowed, and answered with some asperity: ...

— Hetty's Strange History • Helen Jackson

... you I will hear all,' returned Charles, with increased asperity. 'I know you will say nothing to his advantage that you can help, but still I know you will speak what you think the truth, and I want to judge ...

— The Heir of Redclyffe • Charlotte M. Yonge

... silence means refusal, my dear, I think you ought to realize the responsibility you assume." Mrs. Peyton's voice had acquired an edge of righteous asperity. "If Denis has a fault it is that he is too gentle, too yielding, too readily influenced by those he cares for. Your influence is paramount with him now—but if you turn from him just when he needs your help, who can say what ...

— Sanctuary • Edith Wharton

... meant was to express a sincere desire that the Sergeant were happily rid of doubt and suffering. A little shocked, therefore, at the interpretation that had been put on his words, he rejoined with some of the asperity of the man, though rebuked by a consciousness of not having done his own wishes justice. "You are too old and too sensible a person, Pathfinder," said he, "to fetch a man up with a surge, when he is paying ...

— The Pathfinder - The Inland Sea • James Fenimore Cooper

More quotes...