An acrimonious relationship is a relationship where there is a lot of arguing and bitter words spoken by a person to their spouse, life partner, or somebody else.
Are you confused as to what acrimony is? We shall explain it thoroughly and also discuss related topics.
Read until the end for a complete understanding of what an acrimonious relationship involves.
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What is acrimony?
Acrimony involves the use of sharp words, feelings, or actions that reveal anger and bitterness towards someone else. It is most often associated with married couples.
However, it can also apply to relatives, friends, or business associates. Sometimes, even the best of friends can have their relationship deteriorate over an event or two.
Now when they see each other, their words are full of acrimony.
A closer look at acrimony
Acrimony is commonly seen at political rallies. When members of an opposing party address the speaker, their comments are usually full of it.
The acrimonious feelings can even be considered a form of hatred.
Another typical scenario can occur between business partners who have dissolved their relationship. Things can get extremely acrimonious there, too.
You are probably quite familiar with these types of scenarios but didn’t realize there was a term to describe them. Now you know.
Other variations of the meaning of acrimonious
Acrimonious can also describe someone who is bitter and angry most of the time.
If that person goes out of his or her way to say hurtful things to somebody else, they are acting in an acrimonious way.
This term is also associated with a person who rubs someone else entirely the wrong way; either intentionally or accidentally.
What is an acrimonious marriage?
An acrimonious marriage is full of strife. The couple continuously argues and disparages each other. There is nothing but bad feelings between them.
Every word and every action is packed with hatred and animosity.
Sometimes the couple will stay together because of their children.
They fail to understand that the acrimony between them is more harmful to the children than a divorce would be.
Working for an acrimonious boss
This happens too, folks! There are many people who are quite ambitious despite being full of acrimony. It can present a lot of problems for his or her employees.
Perhaps they are always negative and too quick to point out what everyone is doing wrong.
What can you do about this? There are two choices. You can overlook this and just concentrate on doing your job to the best of your ability.
The other option is to leave this company and seek employment elsewhere.
When you go to work with a knot in your stomach knowing things will be unpleasant, that is not good. You must resolve this issue for your own sanity.
Was there acrimony in Britain’s royal family?
After seeing several biopics on the late Princess Diana, some viewers are left with the feeling that there was a lot of acrimony towards her by the Queen and other members of the family.
Was this true or only a Hollywood myth? Most likely we will never know, but the various movies project acrimony in its worst form.
If you have seen these, you now have an idea of what acrimony actually means.
Examples of acrimony in an ordinary family
Certainly, the example we just gave of the royal family fits the bill. However, there are plenty of examples of acrimonious families among ordinary citizens too.
Perhaps the parents in a particular family are too strict.
Instead of growing up with a sense of values, the kids develop acrimonious feelings towards them. This can happen.
It can also occur the other way around. Maybe a son or daughter is developing behavioral patterns that the parents do not approve of.
Instead of a nurturing relationship, there is a lot of acrimony and anger heaped upon this kid. If it continues, there are only bad times ahead for this family.
Acrimony between rival organizations
You are all likely familiar with these types of examples.
For instance, political candidates from rival parties heap acrimonious verbal assaults on each other all the time.
Sometimes these sentiments even spread amongst the crowd.
When you have attendees from two or more rival parties present, there is a lot of acrimony between them.
If you have ever watched the cable television series called The Food that Built America, you have seen this in action.
The heads of two rival companies display an incredible amount of acrimony towards each other. This is true of their words and their actions.
This is perhaps the height of acrimony!
Acrimony only leads to trouble
What do we mean by this? Look around you and on media newscasts. Look at all the violent actions we currently see between foreign governments.
Is there any doubt that these conflicts began as a result of acrimony on the part of the aggressors?
This is a sample of how one or more acrimonious people can cause so much trouble in the world.
Sometimes, it seems like an entire family or political regime is full of acrimony. Is this just our imaginations? We think not! Acrimony is everywhere in our world.
If you want more true-to-life examples of acrimonious families or regimes, again, watch the news. Take note of how much trouble these governments and people cause.
How can you avoid ending up in an acrimonious marriage?
Keep in mind that men aren’t the only ones who are can be acrimonious. There are plenty of acrimonious women around too.
Usually, you can get an idea of this by how your prospective partner treats other people. Do they constantly criticize others and go out of their way to insult people?
Do they treat their parents and siblings in a disparaging way?
If you notice any of this behavior, you should break off the relationship immediately. You are never going to change this person.
If you marry them, you are in for a long and painful union that most likely will never improve.
For your own sake and the sake of any children you would have together, do not marry an acrimonious person.
What is the opposite of acrimonious?
Here is a list of words that mean the opposite of acrimonious. See if any of these ring a bell for you. Mind you, there are scores of them. We are listing a mere few.
- Amicable
- Compassionate
- Pleasant
- Happy
- Considerate
- Understanding
- Kind
- Caring
- Supportive
- Sympathetic
- Warmhearted
These are great traits to look for in future partners, friends, bosses, and leaders.
The opposite of an acrimonious person
You want to look out for someone who is the opposite of acrimonious – this is the type of person that you want in a relationship as a spouse or business partner.
They will go out of their way to do good deeds and be nice to other people. Their relationship with their family members is warm and loving and full of respect.
Such a person has a sunny disposition and is a joy to be around. That isn’t to say they will never get angry or say things they regret.
But they do not make a habit out of that or deliberately try to upset other people. You will enjoy life with him or her.
