Scathing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
scathing
[หskeษชรฐษชล ]
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literary criticism, scathing reviews can greatly affect an authorโs 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.
Origin of 'scathing'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from Middle English 'scathen', meaning to harm or injure.
- It has roots in Old English 'scaรพa', which also relates to causing injury.
- The meaning has evolved to focus more on verbal attacks or harsh criticism.
The word 'scathing' originated from the Middle English word 'scathen', which means 'to injure or damage'. Over time, the meaning evolved to convey severe criticism or condemnation. The use of 'scathing' to describe harsh words or comments became popular in the 19th century and has since remained a common term in the English language.