caricature

/,kærikə'tjuə/

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Word: Caricature

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Definition:

A caricature is a drawing or representation of a person where their features are exaggerated or distorted to create a humorous or comic effect. It often highlights certain characteristics, making them more noticeable and funny.

Usage Instructions:

• As a noun, you can say "a caricature of someone" when referring to the actual drawing.
• As a verb, you might say "to caricature someone," which means to create that exaggerated representation.

Examples:

• Noun: "The artist drew a caricature of the famous actor, making his nose much larger than it is in real life."
• Verb: "The political cartoonist caricatured the president, making him look funny and silly in the drawing."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced contexts, caricature can refer to a style of art or literature where exaggeration is used to critique or comment on societal issues, politics, or personal traits. For example, "The author's novel is a caricature of modern society, highlighting its flaws through exaggerated characters."

Word Variants:

• Caricaturist (noun): A person who creates caricatures.
• Caricaturable (adjective): Something that can be exaggerated or distorted in a caricature.

Different Meanings:

While "caricature" primarily refers to a humorous drawing, it can also mean a description or portrayal that oversimplifies or exaggerates characteristics of someone or something. For example, "His comments were a caricature of the debate, missing the important details."

Synonyms:

• Exaggeration
• Satire
• Parody
• Mockery

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use "caricature," but you might come across phrases like "to play up" someone's traits, which means to exaggerate or highlight certain features.

Summary:

In summary, a caricature is a fun and exaggerated way to represent people, often used in art and commentary.

Academic

Noun

1. a representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect

Verb

1. represent in or produce a caricature of
   • The drawing caricatured the President

Synonyms

• imitation
• impersonation
• ape