Scathing: meaning, definitions and examples
🔥
scathing
[ˈskeɪðɪŋ ]
Definition
critical
Severely critical; harshly condemning. Scathing remarks or reviews can be extremely damaging to one's reputation.
Synonyms
cutting, damaging, devastating, harsh, severe.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scathing |
Used when describing a very critical and bitter remark or review. Often implies strong disapproval or contempt.
|
| harsh |
Used to describe actions, treatments, or judgments that are very severe and unkind. It suggests a lack of compassion.
|
| cutting |
Appropriate for remarks or comments that are intended to hurt someone's feelings or are exceedingly sharp and direct.
|
| severe |
Appropriate for describing something very strict, serious, or extreme, often in terms of impact or consequence.
|
| devastating |
Refers to something that causes extreme emotional or physical destruction. Can be used for both emotional descriptions and large-scale disasters.
|
| damaging |
Best suited for describing actions, statements, or events that cause harm or loss, either physically, emotionally, or reputationally.
|
Examples of usage
- Her scathing comments about his work left him feeling demoralized.
- The scathing article in the newspaper exposed the corruption within the government.
- The scathing review of the movie caused a significant drop in ticket sales.
- His scathing critique of the company's policies led to major changes within the organization.
- The scathing remarks from the judge highlighted the seriousness of the crime committed.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word originates from Middle English 'scathen', meaning to harm or injure.
- It has roots in Old English 'scaþa', which also relates to causing injury.
- The meaning has evolved to focus more on verbal attacks or harsh criticism.
Literature
- In literary criticism, scathing reviews can greatly affect an author’s reputation and book sales.
- Famous authors like Mark Twain and Virginia Woolf often used scathing wit to critique society and their contemporaries.
- Poets have also employed scathing language to challenge societal norms, reflecting strong emotions and views.
Psychology
- Criticism received can have psychological impacts, leading to lower self-esteem and anxiety.
- People who use scathing language may not realize the long-term effects on relationships and social interactions.
- In constructive criticism, however, the goal is to be helpful rather than hurtful, contrasting with scathing remarks.
Pop Culture
- Scathing commentary is common in stand-up comedy, where comedians often use sharp jokes to critique social topics.
- Reality TV often features scathing remarks during confrontations, making drama a central part of the entertainment.
- Internet culture has popularized the term in comment threads, where scathing responses can go viral.
Media
- Film critics can deliver scathing reviews that impact box office performance and public perception of the movie.
- Editorial pieces can be scathing when addressing political issues, influencing public discourse.
- Social media platforms are often rife with scathing comments, reflecting deeper societal frustrations.
Translations
Translations of the word "scathing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mordaz
- cáustico
- severo
🇮🇳 कटु
- तीखा
- कड़वा
🇩🇪 beißend
- schonungslos
- ätzend
🇮🇩 pedas
- tajam
- keras
🇺🇦 гострий
- їдкий
- різкий
🇵🇱 uszczypliwy
- ostry
- kąśliwy
🇯🇵 辛辣な (しんらつな)
- 痛烈な (つうれつな)
- 厳しい (きびしい)
🇫🇷 cinglant
- acerbe
- sévère
🇪🇸 mordaz
- cáustico
- severo
🇹🇷 acımasız
- sert
- keskin
🇰🇷 신랄한 (sinlalhan)
- 가혹한 (gahokhan)
- 매서운 (maeseoun)
🇸🇦 لاذع
- قاسي
- شديد
🇨🇿 ostrý
- kousavý
- drsný
🇸🇰 ostrý
- štipľavý
- tvrdý
🇨🇳 尖刻的 (jiānkède)
- 严厉的 (yánlìde)
- 辛辣的 (xīnlàde)
🇸🇮 oster
- oster
- krut
🇮🇸 beitt
- stungandi
- harður
🇰🇿 өткiр
- ащы
- қатал
🇬🇪 მწარე
- მკაცრი
- მჭრელი
🇦🇿 iti
- sərt
- kəskin
🇲🇽 mordaz
- cáustico
- severo