acrimonious

Everyday

(formal) Full of angry, bitter feelings and harsh words, usually about an argument, meeting or split. tree →

In the lessons

Used in news and stories about arguments, divorces or meetings that went badly. It tells the reader there was real anger and bitterness, not just a mild disagreement. Phrases: an acrimonious debate, an acrimonious divorce, acrimonious split.

Examples

• The meeting became acrimonious, and people shouted. tree →
• The band had an acrimonious split. tree →
• After an acrimonious argument, the neighbours stopped talking. tree →
• The debate was long and acrimonious. tree →
• Their divorce was acrimonious. tree →
• The game ended in an acrimonious row about the score. tree →

Note

Formal, mostly written. Noun: acrimony. Everyday words: bitter, nasty, angry. Pronounced ak-ri-MOH-nee-us.