Words / C2

MORDNT/ˈmɔːdnt/

Mordant means sharply sarcastic; biting in a witty way (formal): mordant wit, a mordant aside. Bitter and sharp (already in the dictionary) are everyday taste and edge; caustic (already in the dictionary) is bitterly sarcastic, also chemically burning — the close twin. Sardonic (already in the dictionary) is grimly mocking; pungent (already in the dictionary) is strongly sharp in smell, taste, or remark. This batch: mawkish is sickly sentimental — the opposite flavour. Foyer wit is not a sitting close.

Meaning

Sharply sarcastic; biting in a witty way (formal).

Examples

• “Mordant wit in the foyer is not a sitting close.”
• “Bitter is a sharp unpleasant taste (already in A2). Sharp is able to cut, or very clear (already in A2). Caustic is bitterly sarcastic (already in C2). Sardonic is grimly mocking (already in C2). Pungent is strongly sharp (already in C1). Mawkish is sickly sentimental (this batch) — the contrast. A dated finding can still be dry. A jest that never closes the item is theatre. Write the minute; then the barb.”

Good to know

Bitingly sarcastic (formal). Everyday: bitter / sharp (already in this dictionary). Close: caustic / sardonic (already in C2); pungent (already in C1). This batch: mawkish (the contrast). Wit ≠ a close.

Near in meaning

caustic, biting, acerbic, sardonic

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