Acidulous
/ˌæsɪˈdjuːləs/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Acidulous means having a slightly sour or sharp taste or quality. It is often used to describe food or drinks that are not very sour but have a mild acidic flavor. It can also describe a tone of voice or writing that is a little bit sharp or critical, but not harsh.
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See It in Action
Slightly sour taste or flavor
- •The sauce had an acidulous flavor that made the dish refreshing.
- •She enjoyed the acidulous taste of the fresh berries.
- •The drink was acidulous, not too sweet or sour.
Mildly sharp or critical tone in speech or writing
- •His acidulous remarks made the conversation more interesting but not hurtful.
- •The critic’s acidulous review pointed out flaws gently.
- •She gave an acidulous smile, showing a little sarcasm but no anger.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "acidulous" like "sour" (A1 word), but much softer and less strong—like a small lemon taste, not a strong lemon
- ✓Picture tasting a green apple that is a little sour but still sweet and fresh
- ✓It's the feeling when someone says something a bit sharp or teasing, but not rude or angry
- ✓Sounds like "acid-you-lus" → imagine a tiny drop of acid that is gentle, not burning
- ✓Think of a playful joke that has a little bite but makes you smile, not upset
- ✓NOT like "bitter" (very strong and unpleasant), acidulous is gentler and more pleasant
- ✓NOT like "harsh" (very rough or severe), acidulous is mild and light
- ✓NOT like "sweet" (pleasant and sugary), acidulous is a little sour or sharp, giving balance
Try Other Words
- •Tart: slightly sour taste (Use when the sourness is noticeable but pleasant)
- •Sharp: clear and strong in taste or tone (Use when the sourness or criticism is more direct)
- •Slightly sour: mild sourness (Use in casual conversation to describe gentle sour taste)
- •Biting: sharply critical tone (Use when the tone is stronger and more cutting than acidulous)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "acid-" (related to acid, sour) + suffix "-ulous" (meaning somewhat or slightly)
- •Etymology: From Latin "acidulus," meaning "somewhat sour"
- •Historical development: Used in English since the early 1600s to describe mild sourness or a slightly sharp manner
- •Modern usage: Mostly used in literary or formal contexts to describe taste or tone that is mildly sour or sharp but not harsh
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a food or drink that tastes acidulous? How does it feel different from something very sour?
•How can a person's tone be acidulous without being rude? When might this be useful in conversation?
Fill in the blanks
1.The lemonade was acidulous because it had just the right amount of ___ to be refreshing.
2.His acidulous comment made people laugh, but it did not ___ anyone's feelings.
3.Unlike bitter coffee, the acidulous flavor in the sauce was ___ and pleasant.
4.When she spoke with an acidulous tone, you could tell she was ___ but not angry.
5.The critic’s acidulous review pointed out ___ without being too harsh.
6.The fruit tasted acidulous, so it was not sweet but also not ___.
7.An acidulous remark often includes a little ___ or teasing without being mean.