acrid
Definitions
Having a sharp, harsh, unpleasantly bitter smell or taste.
（气味或味道）刺鼻的；辛辣的；呛人的。
(of speech or tone) Sharp and bitter; angrily critical.
（言辞或语气）尖刻的；尖酸的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedacr (sharp, from Latin acer) + -id (adjective suffix 'having the quality of') = 'having sharpness.' A smell or taste that is acrid is sharp enough to sting the nose or throat. The same biting quality transfers to words: an acrid tone is one sharp enough to wound.
Root acer still carries 4 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.acrid smoke刺鼻的烟
- 2.acrid smell刺鼻的气味
- 3.acrid taste辛辣的味道
- 4.acrid fumes呛人的烟气
Example Sentences
- 1.
Acrid smoke from the fire filled the whole street.
- 2.
There was an acrid smell of burning rubber in the air.
- 3.
The debate turned acrid as both sides traded insults.
Easily Confused
acrid vs pungent vs bitter — pungent is a strong sharp smell that can be pleasant (pungent cheese, spices); bitter is a basic harsh taste (bitter coffee); acrid is specifically harsh and irritating, almost always unpleasant (acrid smoke). If it makes you cough or your eyes water, it's acrid.