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âpre

harsh

adjective APR Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Textures

Origin: Latin asper (rough, harsh)

Also means

bitter

Usage Note

Âpre describes a sensory harshness (a bitter taste, a biting cold) or a figurative intensity (a fierce struggle). The common idiom âpre au gain means 'eager for profit' or 'money-grubbing', applied to people driven relentlessly by financial interest. The related adverb âprement (bitterly, fiercely) is used in sports reporting: ils ont âprement combattu.

Examples

"La dispute a été âpre et douloureuse pour tous."

Natural Translation

The dispute was harsh and painful for everyone.

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