The quality or state of being rough, harsh, or severe in manner or texture.
From Latin 'asper' (rough) + English suffix '-ness' (state or quality). This noun form emerged in Middle English to describe roughness as a general quality.
Medieval writers often contrasted 'asperness' with 'smoothness' to describe both physical surfaces and personalities—calling someone's words 'asperness' meant they were cutting and harsh.
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