Sardonic: meaning, definitions and examples

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sardonic

 

[ sɑˈrdɒnɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

tone of voice

characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering

Synonyms

cynical, derisive, mocking, sarcastic, sneering

Examples of usage

  • Her sardonic smile made it clear she was not impressed.
  • He replied with a sardonic laugh, knowing he was right.
  • The comedian's sardonic humor often left the audience in stitches.
  • I couldn't help but appreciate his sardonic wit.
  • She raised an eyebrow in sardonic disbelief.

Translations

Translations of the word "sardonic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sarcástico

🇮🇳 व्यंग्यपूर्ण

🇩🇪 sardonisch

🇮🇩 sardonis

🇺🇦 саркастичний

🇵🇱 sardoniczny

🇯🇵 皮肉な (hiniku na)

🇫🇷 sardonique

🇪🇸 sardónico

🇹🇷 alaycı

🇰🇷 냉소적인 (naengsojeog-in)

🇸🇦 ساخر (sakhir)

🇨🇿 sardonický

🇸🇰 sardonický

🇨🇳 讽刺的 (fèngcì de)

🇸🇮 sardoničen

🇮🇸 háðslegur

🇰🇿 мысқылшыл

🇬🇪 სარდონიული

🇦🇿 istehzalı

🇲🇽 sardónico

Etymology

The word 'sardonic' originates from the Greek word 'sardanios,' which referred to bitter or scornful laughter. The term evolved over time to describe a mocking or cynical attitude. The use of 'sardonic' in English dates back to the 17th century, where it was used to convey a sense of sarcastic humor. Today, 'sardonic' is commonly used to describe someone or something that exhibits a bitter or scornful tone.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,794, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.