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asperity

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Asperity is defined as a way of speaking or behaving that is harsh or irritable.

(noun)

An example of an asperity is a tone of voice a teenage might take when mad.

The definition of asperity is a difficult or demanding situation.

(noun)

An example of an asperity is living in poverty.

Asperity means something that is rough or harsh.

(noun)

An example of an asperity is a wood surface that has not been sanded.

See asperity in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. asperities

roughness or harshness, as of surface, sound, weather, etc. or of circumstances
harshness or sharpness of temper

Origin: ME & OFr asprete < L asperitas, roughness < asper, rough < IE *apo-spero-, repellent < base *apo-, away + *sper-, to flick away, push

See asperity in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. as·per·i·ties

a. Roughness or harshness, as of surface, sound, or climate: the asperity of northern winters.
b. Severity; rigor.
A slight projection from a surface; a point or bump.
Harshness of manner; ill temper or irritability.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English asperite

Origin: , from Old French asprete

Origin: , from Latin asperitās

Origin: , from asper, rough

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