What is a sardonically example?
Definition & Examples. Definition & Examples. When & How to Write Sardonically. Quiz. I. What is Sardonic? Sardonic is an adjective describing dry, understated, and sort of mocking speech or writing—such as a clever remark that stings because it’s so accurate. While sardonic comments seem slightly hostile, they are supposed to be witty ...
What is a sardonic comment?
What is Sardonic? Sardonic is an adjective describing dry, understated, and sort of mocking speech or writing—such as a clever remark that stings because it’s so accurate. While sardonic comments seem slightly hostile, they are supposed to be witty and humorous rather than deeply hurtful.
What is a sardonic smile?
[ sahr-don-ik ] / sɑrˈdɒn ɪk /. characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering: a sardonic grin.
What is the origin of the word sardonic?
History and Etymology for sardonic. re-formation, with the suffix -ic entry 1, of earlier sardonian, from Greek sardónios, alteration (after Sardónios "Sardinian") of earlier sardánios "(of laughter or smiling) bitter, scornful" (of obscure origin) + -an entry 2. Keep scrolling for more.
Is sardonic an adjective?
SARDONIC (adjective) definition and synonyms | Macmillan Dictionary.
Is sardonically a adverb?
sardonically adverb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com.
What is the dictionary definition of sardonic?
adjective. characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; sneering; cynical; a sardonic grin.
What is an example of being sardonic?
The definition of sardonic is acting in a mocking or sarcastic way to put someone down. An example of sardonic is a comedian's sneering jokes about a specific group of people that he wants to criticize.
How do you use sardonic?
How to use Sardonic in a sentenceHis smile was sardonic, yet his eyes held a glint of humor. ... His mouth twisted into a sardonic smile. ... She paused and her voice took on a sardonic tone. ... He flashed his most sardonic grin.More items...
What is the synonym of sardonic?
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.
What is the opposite of sardonic?
Opposite of scornfully mocking or cynical. calm. kind. mild. nice.
Is sardonic a negative word?
Sardonic is in fact distinct from sarcastic but not by much, and many people use the two as if they are interchangeable, which, strictly speaking, they are not. Sardonic is more extreme and negative, and one can be sarcastic without being sardonic, and vice-versa.
What is a sardonic smile?
In medicine, it is defined as a smile-like facial expression induced by involuntary muscle spasms most often caused by toxins released by tetanus bacteria.
What's the difference between sardonic and sarcastic?
Sarcastic and sardonic are similar, but not precisely the same, in meaning. Sarcastic: “marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt.” Sardonic: “characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering: a sardonic grin.”
How do you write a sardonic character?
How to Write SardonicallyIt's dry. Sardonic lines aren't over-the-top. ... It's short. A sardonic comment shouldn't be long. ... It's harsh, but not necessarily mean. While it's certainly possible to use sardonic comments in a mean-spirited way, they should usually be funnier than they are mean.
How do you remember sardonic?
To be cutting or rude to someone. sardonic is divided into sar: which means head in hindi and donic can be regarded as "down" so HEAD DOWN which means scornfully mocking on others. Just remember the statement.
What is a sardonic laugh?
The Greeks used sardonic for laughter, but we only use it when someone's humor is also mocking or ironic. Definitions of sardonic. adjective. disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking. “"his rebellion is the bitter, sardonic laughter of all great satirists"- Frank Schoenberner”
Is sardonic a negative word?
Sardonic is in fact distinct from sarcastic but not by much, and many people use the two as if they are interchangeable, which, strictly speaking, they are not. Sardonic is more extreme and negative, and one can be sarcastic without being sardonic, and vice-versa.
What is the opposite of sardonic?
Opposite of scornfully mocking or cynical. calm. kind. mild. nice.
What is sardonic vs sarcastic?
Sarcastic and sardonic are similar, but not precisely the same, in meaning. Sarcastic: “marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt.” Sardonic: “characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering: a sardonic grin.”
What is the difference between sardonic and cynical?
While sardonicism refers to a tone, cynicism is an outlook on life. A cynical character is pessimistic and takes a negative view of humanity, usually questioning people’s motives and not trusting that anything is as it seems.
What is the best example of sardonic sardonics?
Jeeves is famous for his quick wit and dry, straight-faced delivery, making him one of the best examples of sardonicism in literature. In this line, Jeeves is cleverly insulting his employer’s taste in clothing.
What is sardonic wit?
Wit is a very broad term, though, and covers all sorts of clever, quick, and funny comments. When someone is being witty, dry, and mocking at the same time , then they’re being sardonic.
Why is sardonic writing important?
Sardonicism works because it’s funny. That’s really its main purpose – to make the audience laugh. And audiences like sardonic characters . As a result, it can be a great element in any sort of fiction, whether written or performed.
Why are some characters sardonic?
Some characters are sardonic just to be funny, and humor can make all the difference in a work of fiction. Sardonicism is also often cynical—expressing a basically critical or pessimistic attitude towards life and human beings in general, such as the always sardonic Severus Snape of Harry Potter.
What is Mark Twain famous for?
Ouch! Mark Twain was famous for his sardonic comments . Notice that this one is ‘dry,’ clever, funny, and mean.
Is Colleen Donaghy a sardonic character?
Colleen Donaghy is a good example of sardonicism on TV. She fits a popular trope (an often repeated element in art) — the snarky old mother. In this scene, she’s showing that she doesn’t approve of Jack’s new girlfriend, using a sardonic remark–witty and indirectly insulting. III. The Importance of Sardonicism.
What is the smile on Azenor the Pale?
A sardonic smile played over the white lips of Azenor the Pale.
What style of writing did Ebert use?
Ebert was celebrated for the sardonic wit and democratic writing style he employed in his reviews.
What color is the lighting in the movie Sonnenblick?
Adam Honoré’s lush lighting — smoky hues of amber, gold and blue — complements Sonnenblick’s sumptuous score, which is highlighted by the heartfelt “The Mercy of Love,” the boisterous “Wallace Falls” and the cleverly sardonic “My Boy in Blue.”
What does "sardonic" mean?
characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; sneering; cynical; a sardonic grin.
Why is the word "sinister" Latin?
The word "sinister" is Latin for "left," because left-handed people were often thought of as suspicious, evil, or demonic.
Where did Sardonic origins come from?
Origin of sardonic. First recorded in 1630–40; alteration of earlier sardonian (influenced by French sardonique, ) from Latin sardoni (us) or directly from Greek sardónios “of Sardinia” + -an; alluding to a Sardinian plant which when eaten was supposed to produce convulsive laughter ending in death.
Who plays Lester Siegel in the movie?
Ebert was celebrated for the sardonic wit and democratic writing style he employed in his reviews. Alan Arkin also provides an award-worthy turn as Lester Siegel, a sardonic, over-the-hill movie mogul who helps in the mission.
I. What Is sardonic?
- Sardonicis an adjective describing dry, understated, and sort of mocking speech or writing—such as a clever remark that stings because it’s so accurate. While sardonic comments seem slightly hostile, they are supposed to be witty and humorous rather than deeply hurtful. Sardonic lines are delivered with a completely straight face, as though it isn’...
II. Examples of Sardonicism
- Example 1
I did not attend the funeral, but I sent a letter saying I approved of it.(Mark Twain) Ouch! Mark Twain was famous for his sardonic comments. Notice that this one is ‘dry,’ clever, funny, and mean. - Example 2
“I always wanted to marry in the spring, just as the petunias bloom.” “Just when the what?” “Oh, dear. Is she hard of hearing?” “No, no, no! I can hear you. I just wanted to make sure you could hear you.” (Phoebe and Colleen, 30 Rock) Colleen Donaghy is a good example of sardonicism o…
III. The Importance of Sardonicism
- Sardonicism works because it’s funny. That’s really its main purpose – to make the audience laugh. And audiences like sardonic characters. As a result, it can be a great element in any sort of fiction, whether written or performed. Sardonic characters can be valuable in a variety of ways; they can bring different points of view to a story and/or serve as comic relief. Some characters a…
IV. Examples of Sardonicism in Literature
- Example 1
P.G. Wodehouse wrote a series of books about a butler named Jeeves (it’s where the website AskJeeves got its name). Jeeves is famous for his quick wit and dry, straight-faced delivery, making him one of the best examples of sardonicism in literature. In this line, Jeeves is cleverly i… - Example 2
Usually it’s a character who delivers the sardonic lines in a book. But not always! In Terry Pratchett’s books, for example, the narrator often makes such comments about characters or settingsusing a sardonic tone.
v. Examples of Sardonicism in Popular Culture
- Example 1
Magneto is definitely a cynic; his view of humanity is so dark that he’s willing to wage war on it. Like many cynics, he’s very sardonic. In this line, he’s using sardonicism to question Cyclops’ intelligence. - Example 2
Queen Jadis is usually much too aggressive and villainous to be sardonic. But in this early line she shows a little flair for snarky one-liners.
VI. Related Terms
- Cynicism
While sardonicism refers to a tone, cynicism is an outlook on life. A cynical character is pessimistic and takes a negative view of humanity, usually questioning people’s motives and not trusting that anything is as it seems. Because of their suspicious worldview, cynical characters o… - Sarcasm
Although they sound similar, these words have slightly different meanings. Sarcasm is a specific kind of sardonicism, it also means saying the opposite of what you mean. Take this example from Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog: Wow, sarcasm. That’s original… This is sarcasm, because the spe…