sardonic
[ sahr-don-ik ]
See synonyms for: sardonicsardonicism on Thesaurus.com
Origin of sardonic
1First 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
Other words for sardonic
Other words from sardonic
- sar·don·i·cal·ly, adverb
- sar·don·i·cism, noun
- un·sar·don·ic, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use sardonic in a sentence
There was a curious lurking sardonicism in the words, an undertone of mockery.
The Metal Monster | A. MerrittMacMaine laughed, allowing the touch of sardonicism that he felt to be heard in the laughter.
The Highest Treason | Randall Garrett
British Dictionary definitions for sardonic
sardonic
/ (sɑːˈdɒnɪk) /
adjective
characterized by irony, mockery, or derision
Origin of sardonic
1C17: from French sardonique, from Latin sardonius, from Greek sardonios derisive, literally: of Sardinia, alteration of Homeric sardanios scornful (laughter or smile)
Derived forms of sardonic
- sardonically, adverb
- sardonicism, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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