mordant — having or showing a sharp, critical, or harsh quality in speech or manner
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having or showing a sharp, critical, or harsh quality in speech or manner
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɔːrdənt/
Example Sentences
- The restaurant critic's mordant review turned the five-star establishment into a ghost town overnight.
- His mordant remarks about the boss's new haircut spread through the office like wildfire.
- The political commentator's mordant analysis exposed the flaws in the government's policy.
mordant
ADJECTIVE[/ˈmɔːrdənt/]
having or showing a sharp, critical, or harsh quality in speech or manner
The critic's mordant review left the young playwright speechless at the after-party.
The mordant critic exposed how the ignorant man pretended to be important!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'mordans,' the present participle of 'mordere' meaning 'to bite.' The word entered English through Old French and came to describe something that bites or cuts sharply, both literally and figuratively in speech.
Breakdown
Latin 'mordere' (to bite) + -ant (adjective suffix indicating a quality or agent) = mordant (biting, sharp)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The restaurant critic's mordant review turned the five-star establishment into a ghost town overnight.”
“His mordant remarks about the boss's new haircut spread through the office like wildfire.”
“The political commentator's mordant analysis exposed the flaws in the government's policy.”
“She delivered her resignation with mordant precision, listing every reason why the company would fail.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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