adjective
acrimonious
ak-rih-MOH-nee-us/ˌækrɪˈməʊniəs/
Bitter and harsh in tone or manner.
The meeting turns acrimonious as former allies exchange bitter accusations.
Etymology
The sharpness of acrimonia could describe a pungent taste as well as personal severity. Acrimonious applies that sensory sharpness to speech or disposition: a bitter tone that irritates rather than merely disagrees.
In context
it was surprisingly acrimonious for a job interview and at one point through a veil of tears he actually shouted at the panel I like beer I still like beer
More examples
- An acrimonious divorce divided their circle of friends.
- The candidates avoided another acrimonious debate.
- Months of acrimonious correspondence produced no agreement.
Forms
acrimony noun — Bitterness and hostility in speech or behavior.
Similar words
- hostile
- Expresses antagonism without necessarily involving bitter words.
- contentious
- Emphasizes disagreement and argument rather than personal bitterness.