Well-read · Humour & insults · Character
Sardonic: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Sardonic adjective. Grimly mocking or cynical.
How to say it
sar-DON-ik/sɑːˈdɒnɪk/
3 syllables, stressed on the second (DON).
Sardonic in a sentence
He gave a sardonic smile when the 'quick' meeting entered its third hour.
Her sardonic diary entries make the expedition sound miserable and hilarious.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
Opposite:
- earnest
- sincere
Where sardonic comes from
From Greek sardonios, of Sardinia, after a plant said to twist the faces of those who ate it into a grin.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Her _____ diary entries make the expedition sound miserable and hilarious.
- droll
- ironic
- sardonic
Show the answer
sardonic: Her sardonic diary entries make the expedition sound miserable and hilarious.