sardonic
[ sahr-don-ik ]
/ sɑrˈdɒn ɪk /
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adjective
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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
OTHER WORDS FROM sardonic
sar·don·i·cal·ly, adverbsar·don·i·cism, nounun·sar·don·ic, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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
Derived forms of sardonic
sardonically, adverbsardonicism, nounWord Origin for sardonic
C17: from French sardonique, from Latin sardonius, from Greek sardonios derisive, literally: of Sardinia, alteration of Homeric sardanios scornful (laughter or smile)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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