caustic
9
7.4
- adjective
- /ˈkɔːstɪk/
:
mordaz
- Rat has a sarcastic wit and a caustic sense of humor.
- caustic remarks
Examples
-
At times funny, touching, and caustic, it's a hell of a good read.
Blog text (24) -
In her low moods, she could be quite caustic about this.
Fiction book (2001) -
Perhaps I was a bit caustic.
-
In front of the camera, he turns caustic, even brutal.
Fiction book (1994) -
The men on the patches were making caustic remarks about it.
Fiction book (1996) -
I don't remember you being this caustic when we were younger.
-
I had a math teacher who was very caustic, really had a chip on her shoulder and berated students.
-
"Try." Richard Dutton's voice retained its habitual caustic edge, even though Molly knew he was making an effort to sound warm and understanding.
Fiction book (1995) -
Reith muttered, "Who would be interested in us?" Anacho gave a bark of caustic laughter.
Fiction book (1993) -
His caustic remarks during the meeting left everyone feeling uncomfortable.
Synonyms
360
2.5
Feeling or showing strong anger and hurt
99
4.0
Using words that say the opposite of what you mean to mock or hurt someone
19
7.7
Very strong, harsh criticism that hurts or shocks people
10
9.3
Harsh, angry words that strongly hurt someone
9
8.1
Showing mocking, bitter humor that makes fun of people
9
8.4
Full of angry, bitter words in a speech or argument
8
8.2
Speech or writing that is harsh and likely to offend people
7
7.1
Expressing harsh, biting criticism that hurts people or their confidence
7
8.4
Very harsh and full of hate in speech or writing
5
7.0
Very harsh words or writing that attack someone
2
9.9
Using very angry and insulting words to attack someone
2
6.5
Sharp, biting words that can hurt or shock people
1
8.7
Expressing sharp, often ironic criticism that can feel harsh
1
5.9
Having a sharp, sour taste or smell
1
7.0
Said in a sharp, hurtful way to criticize someone
1
7.5
A harsh, bitter way of speaking that shows anger or criticism
1
6.7
A sharp, biting remark that hurts or criticizes
1
9.9
Having a sharp, unfriendly tone that criticizes others
Very critical and hurtful in speech or writing
Harsh or hurtful in a way that makes someone feel upset
Harsh angry speech or writing that strongly criticizes people
Quick to say sharp things that hurt
Having a rude, mocking look or voice that shows dislike
Saying harsh, mean things that hurt people
Antonyms
Compounds
- Specialized
1
7.0
A strong chemical used to make soap and fertilizers that can burn your skin
- UK
1
6.1
A very strong chemical that can burn skin and is used to make soap and clean things
How Cutting
Surface Forms
Morphology
caustic = caust + ic
The figurative sense ('biting' or 'severely critical') is a metaphorical extension of 'burning' and is related to the root meaning but not fully obvious to learners from the morphemes alone.
Etymology
Caustic comes from the Greek root kaustos meaning 'burning'. So when speech is called caustic, it is like 'burning' words—very sharp, biting remarks that can hurt or sting people.