tartness
/ˈtɑːtnəs/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈɑrtnəs] /ˈtɑːrtnəs/ (ame, ipa)
tartness — noun
1. The quality of having an acidic flavour that is sharp and cleansing on the tongu
The quality of having an acidic flavour that is sharp and cleansing on the tongue, like that of citrus or green apples.
The lemon sorbet had just enough tartness to wake up the taste buds.
uncountable noun describing degree: amount of tartness
Camille added sugar to reduce the tartness of the green apples in the pie.
tartness + of + noun phrase (food ingredient)
The wine's pleasant tartness made it a good match for the grilled fish.
Walid noticed the tartness of the yogurt was stronger than he expected.
- sourness
more general term; can describe unpleasant sourness (e.g. spoiled milk), while tartness often implies a pleasant sharpness
- acidity
more clinical or chemical term, commonly used for wine or citrus; less everyday than tartness
- sharpness
broader sensory term that can also refer to spicy or pungent sensations, not just sour taste
- sweetness
the opposite taste sensation; sweeteners are added to balance tartness
文法句型
tartness + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense is used almost exclusively for food, drink, and fruit. 'Tartness' is milder than 'sourness' and often implies a pleasant or intentional sharpness.
常見錯誤
2. The quality of speaking or writing in a quick, direct way that seems slightly un
The quality of speaking or writing in a quick, direct way that seems slightly unkind or critical.
Elena's reply contained a hint of tartness when she was asked about her ex-boss.
tartness + in + noun phrase (reply, remark)
Yumi's tartness toward the intern surprised everyone who knew her as a patient teacher.
tartness + toward + person (target of sharp speech)
The reviewer's comments had a tartness that made the actor feel defensive.
Kwame responded with unusual tartness when his teammate questioned his effort.
The tartness in Grandma Nila's voice told her grandson she would not change her mind.
- sharpness
very similar in meaning, but 'sharpness' can also describe wit or intelligence; 'tartness' carries more of a subtly unkind tone
- harshness
stronger and more negative; harshness suggests cruelty or severity, while tartness is milder
- acrimony
much stronger and more formal; describes bitter, angry speech in lasting conflicts
- gentleness
kind and soft manner of speaking, opposite of sharpness
- warmth
friendly and kind tone, contrasted with the cool edge of tartness
文法句型
tartness + in + noun phrase
tartness + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Describes someone's manner of speaking or writing only — not their appearance, actions, or personality as a whole. Distinguish from sense 1 (literal taste) by context: this sense attaches to voice, reply, remark, tone, or comment.