sardonic
Use Sardonic in a sentence
ɪk adjective
characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering: a sardonic grin.
Origin:
1630–40; alteration of earlier sardonian (influenced by French sardonique) < Latin sardoni(us) (< Greek sardónios of Sardinia) + -an; alluding to a Sardinian plant which when eaten was supposed to produce convulsive laughter ending in death
1630–40; alteration of earlier sardonian (influenced by French sardonique) < Latin sardoni(us) (< Greek sardónios of Sardinia) + -an; alluding to a Sardinian plant which when eaten was supposed to produce convulsive laughter ending in death
Related forms
sar·don·i·cal·ly, adverb
sar·don·i·cism, noun
un·sar·don·ic, adjective
un·sar·don·i·cal·ly, adverb
Synonyms
biting, mordant, contemptuous.
biting, mordant, contemptuous.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To sardonic
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Sardonic
is always a great word to know.
So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
sardonic (sɑːˈdɒnɪk) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adj | |
| characterized by irony, mockery, or derision | |
| [C17: from French sardonique, from Latin sardonius, from Greek sardonios derisive, literally: of Sardinia, alteration of Homeric sardanios scornful (laughter or smile)] | |
| sar'donically | |
| —adv | |
| sar'donicism | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
| Main Entry: | sardonic |
| Part of Speech: | adj |
| Definition: | scornful, mocking; disdainfully humorous |
| Etymology: | Greek sardonios 'derisive' |
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
sardonic
1630s, from Fr. sardonique (16c.), from L. sardonius (but as if from L. *sardonicus) in Sardonius risus, loan-translation of Gk. sardonios (gelos) "of bitter or scornful (laughter)," altered from Homeric sardanios (of uncertain origin) by influence of Sardonios "Sardinian," because the Greeks believed
that eating a certain plant they called sardonion (lit. "plant from Sardinia," see Sardinia) caused facial convulsions resembling those of sardonic laughter, usually followed by death. For nuances of usage, see humor. Related: Sardonically.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Now she tells all in a sardonic, unflattering look at the job of rescuing tourists and arresting criminals.
His sardonic and technically brilliant work gets more fascinating with each viewing.
His solemn expression accompanies a quiet wit and a sardonic sense of humor.
In the next moment, though, he let out a sardonic laugh.
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