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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Caustic: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：bitingly sarcastic (caustic)

caustic 🔊

/ˈkɔːstɪk/

adj.

Harsh and hurtful in speech or writing; bitterly sarcastic.

Caustic sarcasm illustrated by a person's sharp, mocking facial expression.

bitingly sarcastic 🔊

➕

/ˈbaɪtɪŋli sɑːrˈkæstɪk/

adj.

Describes language, especially criticism or humor, that is intentionally harsh, mocking, and hurtful.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'kaustikos' (able to burn), related to 'kaiein' (to burn).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'cause a stick' – a caustic remark stings like being poked with a sharp stick, and a caustic chemical can 'burn' through things.

📖 Example

After the failed project, the manager's caustic remarks about our team's effort left everyone feeling demoralized. 🔊 The manager's harshly sarcastic comments made the team feel very discouraged.

🔗 Collocations

caustic wit – a sharp, biting sense of humor

caustic comment – a remark that is severely critical or sarcastic

caustic tone – a manner of speaking that is harsh and scornful

🔄 Synonyms

sarcastic (adj.) – marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt

mordant (adj.) – bitingly sarcastic or critical

acerbic (adj.) – sharp and forthright, especially in speech

🚫 Antonyms

kind (adj.) – having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature

gentle (adj.) – mild in temperament or behavior; not harsh or severe

complimentary (adj.) – expressing praise or admiration

🌱 Derivatives

caustically (adv.) – in a harshly sarcastic or critical manner

causticity (n.) – the quality of being caustic

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English via Latin from the Greek 'kaustikos'. Originally describing substances that 'burn' by chemical action, its metaphorical use for speech that 'burns' or hurts emotionally emerged by the early 17th century.

Meaning 2：chemically corrosive (caustic)

caustic 🔊

/ˈkɔːstɪk/

adj.

Able to burn or destroy materials by chemical action.

Caustic chemical warning label on a drain cleaner bottle, with safety gloves.

chemically corrosive 🔊

➕

/ˈkemɪkli kəˈroʊsɪv/

adj.

Describes a substance that can burn, destroy, or eat away organic tissue or other materials through chemical action.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Be sure to wear gloves when handling that drain cleaner; it's highly caustic and can burn your skin. 🔊 The drain cleaner is strongly corrosive and requires protective gloves to handle safely.

🔗 Collocations

caustic substance – a material that can cause chemical burns

caustic soda – sodium hydroxide, a strong alkaline substance

caustic burn – an injury caused by contact with a corrosive chemical

🔄 Synonyms

corrosive (adj.) – tending to cause corrosion, especially by chemical action

acidic (adj.) – having the properties of an acid; sharp-tasting or corrosive

burning (adj.) – causing a sensation of intense heat or capable of destroying by fire or chemical action

🚫 Antonyms

innocuous (adj.) – not harmful or offensive

gentle (adj.) – mild; not harsh or severe (often for cleaning products)