Finesentence logo

Scathingly: meaning, definitions and examples

🗣️
Add to dictionary

scathingly

 

[ ˈskeɪθɪŋli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

tone of criticism

Scathingly is an adverb that describes a sharp or severe manner of speaking or writing, usually characterized by harsh criticism or contempt. This term conveys a strong sense of disapproval and is often used in contexts where someone's actions or statements are being reprimanded harshly. The use of scathingly implies that the criticism is not just mild or polite, but rather vehement and caustic. It can be applied to reviews, remarks, or any commentary that is particularly biting or derisive.

Synonyms

derisively, sarcastically, scornfully, sneeringly

Examples of usage

  • She spoke scathingly about the government's policies.
  • The critic reviewed the film scathingly.
  • His scathingly sarcastic remarks made everyone uncomfortable.

Translations

Translations of the word "scathingly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desdenhosamente

🇮🇳 निन्दात्मक रूप से

🇩🇪 verächtlich

🇮🇩 dengan sinis

🇺🇦 зневажливо

🇵🇱 szyderczo

🇯🇵 辛辣に

🇫🇷 avec mépris

🇪🇸 despectivamente

🇹🇷 alaycı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 조롱하며

🇸🇦 بأسلوب ساخر

🇨🇿 pohrdavě

🇸🇰 posmešne

🇨🇳 讽刺地

🇸🇮 posmehljivo

🇮🇸 fyrirbjóðandi

🇰🇿 кекіре

🇬🇪 სიცილის ხითხითით

🇦🇿 təhqir edici

🇲🇽 despectivamente

Etymology

The term 'scathingly' is derived from the root word 'scathe,' which has its origins in the Old Norse word 'skatha,' meaning injury or harm. This root evolved through Middle English, where it was used to signify harm or injury inflicted by words or actions. Over time, 'scathe' became associated more broadly with criticism that causes mental or emotional harm. The adverbial form 'scathingly' gained usage to describe a manner of expression that is particularly cutting or hurtful, and it has been used in literary and rhetorical contexts to emphasize the severity of judgment or critique. Its rise in usage reflects a cultural trend toward more direct and aggressive forms of communication in discourse.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,123, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.