Satire: meaning, definitions and examples

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satire

[ˈsæ.taɪər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

literature

Satire is a way of criticizing people or ideas in a humorous way, or a piece of writing or play that uses this style. It is often used to expose and criticize societal issues, politics, and human behavior.

Synonyms

irony, mockery, ridicule.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
satire	Used to criticize or make fun of human vices or societal issues, often in a humorous fashion. The play is a satire that pokes fun at the political system. The novel is a brilliant satire on modern relationships.
mockery	Used to show disdain or scorn by imitating someone or something in a derisive manner. This often has a negative connotation. His constant mockery of the teacher was disrespectful. The film received a lot of mockery from critics.
ridicule	Used to make fun of someone or something in a way that shows a lack of respect. Often more personal and hurtful. The comedian's routine was full of ridicule directed at celebrities. Her ideas were met with ridicule rather than constructive feedback.
irony	Used to convey a meaning exactly opposite to its literal meaning, often to highlight contradictions or absurdities. It's a great irony that the fire station burned down. She couldn't help but notice the irony in his statement.

Examples of usage

Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels' is a classic example of satire.
In his satirical cartoons, the artist cleverly mocks political leaders and their policies.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'satire' comes from the Latin 'satura', which means 'a mixture' or 'a medley'.
In ancient Rome, satirical works often mixed serious poetry with humorous content.
Over time, the use of satire evolved, becoming a specific literary genre that criticizes societal faults.

Pop Culture

Shows like 'Saturday Night Live' and 'The Daily Show' use satire to comment on current events.
Political cartoons often employ satire to highlight the absurdities of politics.
The satirical website 'The Onion' creates fictional news stories, poking fun at real-world issues.

Literature

Famous satirical works include Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal', which uses irony to address social issues.
George Orwell’s 'Animal Farm' is an allegorical satire about totalitarianism and human nature.
Mark Twain often employed satire in his novels to critique social norms of the American society.

Psychology

Satire can help people digest complex social topics by making them more approachable through humor.
Studies suggest that understanding satire requires a level of cognitive empathy, as it prompts us to recognize irony.
Humor in satire can be a coping mechanism, helping individuals deal with frustrations regarding societal issues.

History

Satire has existed since ancient times, with Greek playwright Aristophanes among early practitioners.
During the Enlightenment, satire flourished as a tool for social and political commentary.
The use of satire became prominent during the 18th and 19th centuries, shaping public opinion on various issues.

Translations

Translations of the word "satire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sátira

🇮🇳 व्यंग्य

🇩🇪 Satire

🇮🇩 sindiran

🇺🇦 сатира

🇵🇱 satyra

🇯🇵 風刺 (ふうし)

🇫🇷 satire

🇪🇸 sátira

🇹🇷 hiciv

🇰🇷 풍자 (pungja)

🇸🇦 هجاء

🇨🇿 satira

🇸🇰 satira

🇨🇳 讽刺 (fěngcì)

🇸🇮 satira

🇮🇸 háð

🇰🇿 сатира

🇬🇪 სატირა

🇦🇿 satira

🇲🇽 sátira

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,269, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10266 agar
10267 pesticide
10268 censure
10269 satire
10270 grower
10271 typing
10272 compromised
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