causticity
Definition
- Noun:
- Chemical property: "causticity" refers to the quality of being able to burn, corrode, or destroy organic tissue by chemical action.
- Figurative sharpness: "causticity" also denotes a biting, sarcastic, or severely critical quality in speech or writing.
Usage Examples
Chemical property:
- The causticity of the industrial cleaner required the use of protective gloves. (The chemical's ability to burn or corrode skin.)
Figurative sharpness:
- The critic's review was marked by a causticity that offended the author. (The review was harshly and bitterly critical.)
Advanced Usage
"causticity of tone": a manner of speaking that is deliberately hurtful or corrosive in a metaphorical sense.
- Her remarks had a causticity that made everyone uncomfortable. (Her words were sharply critical and wounding.)
"causticity in humor": a type of wit that is sarcastic and cutting.
- His humor often had a causticity that bordered on cruelty. (His jokes were biting and could hurt feelings.)
Variants and Related Words
Caustic (adj): having the quality of causticity.
- The caustic substance burned through the metal. (The substance was chemically corrosive.)
- He made a caustic remark about her appearance. (He made a sharp, critical comment.)
Caustically (adv): in a manner showing causticity.
- She caustically noted that the plan was doomed to fail. (She made a bitter, cutting observation.)
Synonyms
- Acridity: sharpness or bitterness in taste or tone.
- Corrosiveness: the ability to chemically eat away at materials.
- Mordancy: a quality of being sharply critical or sarcastic.
Related Idioms
"No holds barred": without limits or restrictions, often used to describe harsh criticism.
- The debate was no holds barred, with causticity from both sides. (Both speakers used bitter, unrestrained language.)
"To have a sharp tongue": to speak in a way that is often critical or hurtful.
- Her causticity showed that she had a sharp tongue. (She habitually made cutting remarks.)