What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
asperity
Example
His asperity towards his employees made it difficult for them to approach him. [asperity: noun]
Example
The asperity of the sandpaper made it challenging to smooth out the rough edges. [asperity: noun]
roughness
Example
The roughness of the road made the bike ride uncomfortable. [roughness: noun]
Example
Her roughness in dealing with customers led to many complaints. [roughness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Roughness is more commonly used than asperity in everyday language. Roughness is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while asperity is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between asperity and roughness?
While asperity is associated with a more formal or literary tone, roughness is a more informal and widely used word that can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
