Mordant: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Mordant adjective. Sharply sarcastic or cutting, especially in a witty way.
How to say it
MOR-dunt/ˈmɔːd(ə)nt/
2 syllables, stressed on the first (MOR).
Mordant in a sentence
Her mordant reviews are read most eagerly by the people they target.
The film's mordant humour takes the edge off a grim story.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- caustic
- biting
- acerbic
- trenchant
Opposite:
- gentle
- kindly
Where mordant comes from
From French mordre, to bite, from Latin mordere.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The film's _____ humour takes the edge off a grim story.
- mordant
- tongue-in-cheek
- facetious
Show the answer
mordant: The film's mordant humour takes the edge off a grim story.