Vocabulary Spotlight

Acrid

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Having a strong, bitter, and unpleasant smell or taste; harsh or sharp.

“The acrid smell of burning plastic filled the room.”

Pronunciation

[AK-rid]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Pungent
Bitter
Sharp
Harsh
Caustic

Antonyms

Pleasant
Sweet
Aromatic
Mild
Fragrant

Related Words

Acridity
Acerbic
Tart

Word Origin

“Acrid” is derived from the Latin “acer,” meaning “sharp or biting.”

Word Family

Adjective: Acrid – Having a strong, unpleasant taste or smell.

Noun: Acridity – The quality of being sharp or pungent.

Adjective: Acerbic – Having a sharp or biting tone.

Mnemonics

Think “Acidic Rancid Smell” – Acrid describes strong, unpleasant odors or tastes.

Industry-specific Usage

Chemistry

Chemical reactions can produce acrid fumes, requiring safety precautions in labs.

Environmental Science

In environmental science, acrid smoke from wildfires or pollution is a concern for air quality.

Cooking

In cooking, burnt food can release acrid smells that indicate overcooking or burning.

In Context

Acrid is commonly used to describe unpleasant smells or tastes that are harsh, pungent, or irritating, often associated with smoke, chemicals, or burnt substances.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which is a synonym of “Acrid”?

Sweet
Pungent
Fragrant
Pleasant

‘Pungent’ is correct as both words describe a strong, unpleasant smell.

2. Fill in the blank: The _______ odor of burnt rubber lingered in the air.

acrid
pleasant
sweet
fragrant

‘Acrid’ is appropriate as it describes a harsh, unpleasant smell.

3. In which context would “acrid” be MOST appropriate?

Describing a floral perfume
Talking about a sweet dessert
Referring to the smell of burning plastic
Discussing a refreshing aroma

‘Referring to the smell of burning plastic’ is correct as acrid describes a harsh, pungent smell.