Definition for sardonic

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sardonic. Send us feedback about these examples.

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. Risus sardonicus causes a patient's eyebrows to rise, eyes to bulge, and mouth to retract dramatically, resulting in what has been described as an evil-looking grin. In scientists at the University of Eastern Piedmont claimed to have identified hemlock water dropwort as the plant responsible for producing the sardonic grin. When these people were unable to support themselves, they were intoxicated with this herb and then dropped from a high rock or beaten to death.

Of laughter, a smile: Bitter, scornful, mocking. The attitude in which I was, my hands clasped round my knees, consorted with sardonic merriment. Lucianical —

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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. When he smiles which is seldom , his demeanor is sardonic. A two-note cell provides the thematic impetus behind the spectral central scherzo-like movement, which buzzes with sardonic vigour.

Definition for sardonic

Add to word list Add to word list. Mocking and taunting. Related word sardonically. Examples of sardonic. In spite of the bright colors and familiar faces, it can be discomforting, and at times, quietly sardonic. From cleveland. I'm a huge fan of her work, and seeing that she's exactly as witty and sardonic as her work would have led me to believe. From A.

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The Words of the Week - Mar. Hindi English to Hindi. Good , Study of Medicine vol. British Dictionary definitions for sardonic. Error for sardonian , adj. Translate your text for free. Translator tool. British and American pronunciations with audio. Related word sardonically. Simple Text Respell Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. Accessed 3 Mar. Tools to create your own word lists and quizzes. Collins Word of the Day. Matchless English style, very funny in parts, wonderfully sardonic , yet sympathetic observation of the chaos of war.

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This is the origin of notorious sardonic laughter Eugen Fehrle, Then the frown was smoothed away; a sardonic smile replaced it; another cup of wine he poured himself. February 26, Synonyms: mocking , cynical , dry , bitter More Synonyms of sardonic. Wordle Helper. Word of the Day. How is the adjective sardonic pronounced? English images. When might satiric be a better fit than sardonic? Hobbes , translation of Homer, Odysses xx. Quiz German confusables. Portuguese English to Portuguese. Essential British English. English Usage.