acidulous

[From Latin acidulus, diminutive of acidus, sour. See acid.]

(a-SIJ-uh-luhs)

adjective
Somewhat sour in taste or in manner.

Etymology
From Latin acidulus (slightly sour), diminutive of acidus (sour), from acere (to be sour). Ultimately from the Indo-European root ak- (sharp) that's also the source of acrid, vinegar, acid, acute, edge, hammer, heaven, eager, oxygen, and mediocre

adjective

Having a taste characteristic of that produced by acids: acerb, acerbic, acetous, acid, dry, sour, tangy, tart. See taste/bad taste.

Definition: bitter in speaking
Antonyms: kind, nice, sweet

adj

Definition: bitter, sour
Antonyms: sugary, sweet

Tutor's tip: An "acidulous" liquid is caustic or acidic. To describe someone as hardworking and intelligent, it's best to use the word "assiduous."