Definition for sardonic

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sardonic.

How is the word sardonic different from other adjectives like it? Some common synonyms of sardonic are ironic , sarcastic , and satiric. While all these words mean "marked by bitterness and a power or will to cut or sting," sardonic implies scorn, mockery, or derision that is manifested by either verbal or facial expression. The words ironic and sardonic can be used in similar contexts, but ironic implies an attempt to be amusing or provocative by saying usually the opposite of what is meant. Where would sarcastic be a reasonable alternative to sardonic? The synonyms sarcastic and sardonic are sometimes interchangeable, but sarcastic implies an intentional inflicting of pain by deriding, taunting, or ridiculing.

Definition for sardonic

To be sardonic is to be disdainfully or cynically humorous, or scornfully mocking. Both the concept and the etymology of the word, while being of uncertain origin, appear to stem from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia. These he characterized as sardonic laughter:. Among the very ancient people of Sardinia , who were called Sardi or Sardoni , it was customary to kill old people. While killing their old people, the Sardi laughed loudly. This is the origin of notorious sardonic laughter Eugen Fehrle, In light of our findings things begin to look different. Laughter accompanies the passage from death to life; it creates life and accompanies birth. Consequently, laughter accompanying killing transforms death into a new birth, nullifies murder as such, and is an act of piety that transforms death into a new life. Risus sardonicus is an apparent smile on the face of those who are convulsing because of tetanus or strychnine poisoning. From the Oxford English Dictionary , "A fixed, grin-like expression resulting from spasm of facial muscles, esp. This facial expression has also been observed among patients with tetanus.

French images.

Add to word list Add to word list. Mocking and taunting. Related word sardonically. Examples of sardonic. He could be wry and sardonic about the claims of religious faith - but just as wary of metaphysical or ideological faith. From the Cambridge English Corpus.

To be sardonic is to be disdainfully or cynically humorous, or scornfully mocking. A form of wit or humour, being sardonic often involves expressing an uncomfortable truth in a clever and not necessarily malicious way, often with a degree of skepticism. Sardonic refers to a type of humor, mockery, or sarcasm that is cynical, scornful, or bitterly humorous. It is often characterized by grim or ironical ridicule and intended to express contempt or derision. Etymology: [F. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.

Definition for sardonic

Paying attention and listening intently: talking about concentration. Add to word list Add to word list. Mocking and taunting. Related word sardonically. Examples of sardonic.

Overwatch counters

Italian grammar. British Dictionary definitions for sardonic. Read more. Copy to clipboard Copied to clipboard. This is the origin of notorious sardonic laughter Eugen Fehrle, Summary A borrowing from French. Both the concept and the etymology of the word, while being of uncertain origin, appear to stem from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia. February 26, Log In. English Simple Text Respell. The sardonic historian, whose rule it is to exhibit human nature always as an object of mockery. Variant forms Also s sardonick , sardanique. Traditional Chinese images. Blossom Word Game You can make only 12 words.

There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective sardonic.

Missing Letter A crossword with a twist Play. Italian grammar. Download as PDF Printable version. Szczuraszek; J. Translations Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. French images. Nearby entries. Post the Definition of sardonic to Facebook Facebook. Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into sardonic, adj. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.