Mordant
adjective
Bitter and sharp in language or tone, causing hurt or sting.
His mordant criticism of the performance really upset the lead actress.
noun
A substance used in dyeing and printing that reacts chemically with a dye and the material being dyed to help the dye bond to the material.
The artist used a mordant to ensure the dye stayed on the fabric.
Usage tips
Technical
adjective
Showing strong feelings of disappointment or criticism in a way that is clever and humorous.
He has a mordant sense of humor which sometimes offends people.
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Bitter and sharp in language or tone, causing hurt or sting.
His mordant criticism of the performance really upset the lead actress.
noun
A substance used in dyeing and printing that reacts chemically with a dye and the material being dyed to help the dye bond to the material.
The artist used a mordant to ensure the dye stayed on the fabric.
Usage tips
Technical
adjective
Showing strong feelings of disappointment or criticism in a way that is clever and humorous.
He has a mordant sense of humor which sometimes offends people.
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Hurtful Honesty
Use 'mordant' to describe someone's truth that's painfully pointed, not just any criticism.
Her mordant observation about his work ethic made him reconsider his efforts.
Pro Tip 2/3Negatively Witty
'Mordant' often implies wit used in a negative context, not for light-hearted jokes.
The comedian's mordant remarks about politicians caused some unease in the crowd.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Casual Use
'Mordant' is best not used in casual conversations due to its harsh tone.
His mordant comments were inappropriate at the casual dinner party.
Pro Tip 1/3Hurtful Honesty
Use 'mordant' to describe someone's truth that's painfully pointed, not just any criticism.
Her mordant observation about his work ethic made him reconsider his efforts.
Pro Tip 2/3Negatively Witty
'Mordant' often implies wit used in a negative context, not for light-hearted jokes.
The comedian's mordant remarks about politicians caused some unease in the crowd.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Casual Use
'Mordant' is best not used in casual conversations due to its harsh tone.
His mordant comments were inappropriate at the casual dinner party.
Pro Tip 1/3Hurtful Honesty
Use 'mordant' to describe someone's truth that's painfully pointed, not just any criticism.
Her mordant observation about his work ethic made him reconsider his efforts.
Pro Tip 2/3Negatively Witty
'Mordant' often implies wit used in a negative context, not for light-hearted jokes.
The comedian's mordant remarks about politicians caused some unease in the crowd.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Casual Use
'Mordant' is best not used in casual conversations due to its harsh tone.
His mordant comments were inappropriate at the casual dinner party.
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Quote examples
James Russell Lowell
American Poet
The only faith that wears well and holds its color in all weathers is that which is woven of conviction and set with the sharp mordant of experience.
Quote examples
Geraldine Brooks
Australian Journalist
The Sarajevans have a very particular world view - a mordant wit coupled with this unbearable sadness and... truckloads of guts, you know.
Quote examples
James Russell Lowell
American Poet
The only faith that wears well and holds its color in all weathers is that which is woven of conviction and set with the sharp mordant of experience.
Quote examples
Geraldine Brooks
Australian Journalist
The Sarajevans have a very particular world view - a mordant wit coupled with this unbearable sadness and... truckloads of guts, you know.
Example 1 of 2
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