Definition for sardonic

English Dictionary.

There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective sardonic. OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised. OED's earliest evidence for sardonic is from , in the writing of Thomas Herbert, traveller and government official. Etymons: French sardonique. Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables.

Definition for sardonic

How is the word sardonic different from other adjectives like it? Some common synonyms of sardonic are ironic , sarcastic , and satiric. While all these words mean "marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting," sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression. The words ironic and sardonic can be used in similar contexts, but ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant. Where would sarcastic be a reasonable alternative to sardonic? The synonyms sarcastic and sardonic are sometimes interchangeable, but sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing. Although the words satiric and sardonic have much in common, satiric implies that the intent of the ridiculing is censure and reprobation. Accessed 3 Mar. Nglish: Translation of sardonic for Spanish Speakers. Britannica English: Translation of sardonic for Arabic Speakers. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Risus sardonicusSardonic laugh. British Dictionary definitions for sardonic. Video Build your vocabulary.

Add to word list Add to word list. Mocking and taunting. Related word sardonically. Examples of sardonic. He could be wry and sardonic about the claims of religious faith - but just as wary of metaphysical or ideological faith. From the Cambridge English Corpus. When he smiles which is seldom , his demeanor is sardonic.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sardonic. Send us feedback about these examples. Accessed 22 Mar. Nglish: Translation of sardonic for Spanish Speakers. Britannica English: Translation of sardonic for Arabic Speakers.

Definition for sardonic

Scornfully or cynically mocking: a sardonic sense of humor. All rights reserved. Copyright , , by Random House, Inc. Switch to new thesaurus.

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This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus. Word of the Day rules are made to be broken. The boys were rescued firefighters. Portuguese English to Portuguese. The quality or state of being sardonic; an instance of this; a sardonic remark. Check See the answer Next Next quiz Review. Time Traveler. From the Oxford English Dictionary , "A fixed, grin-like expression resulting from spasm of facial muscles, esp. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors. Some common synonyms of sardonic are ironic , sarcastic , and satiric. Romano; P. Etymon: French sardonique. Get the latest news and gain access to exclusive updates and offers Sign me up. Quick word challenge Quiz Review. His mother had to have surgery.

How is the word sardonic different from other adjectives like it?

Free word lists and quizzes from Cambridge. Ebert was celebrated for the sardonic wit and democratic writing style he employed in his reviews. English to Traditional. Homophones, Homographs, and Homonyms. British and American pronunciations with audio. Digital theater productions highlight the power of art without an audience Thomas Floyd May 7, Washington Post. Matchless English style, very funny in parts, wonderfully sardonic , yet sympathetic observation of the chaos of war. Get Word of the Day daily email! Derived forms. Video Guides. Teaching Resources. Word lists shared by our community of dictionary fans. Alan Arkin also provides an award-worthy turn as Lester Siegel, a sardonic , over-the-hill movie mogul who helps in the mission. Translator tool.