Words / C2

SKAYTH-ing/ˈskeɪðɪŋ/

Scathing means severely, scornfully critical: a scathing review, scathing about the draft. Critical is everyday and calmer; trenchant (already in the dictionary) is sharp and effective, not necessarily contemptuous. Sardonic (already in the dictionary) is grimly mocking. Do not call a dated methods objection scathing to shut it down.

Meaning

Severely critical; scornfully harsh.

Examples

• “Scathing corridor talk is not a numbered objection.”
• “Critical is everyday. Trenchant is cutting and useful (already in C2). A tirade is a long angry blast (already in C2). Heat in the corridor is theatre. Two figures on a slide can be calm and still fatal. Table the n; spare the scorched-earth aside.”

Good to know

Harshly critical. Everyday: harshly critical. Close: trenchant (sharp, effective — already in C2). Contrast: sardonic (mocking — already in C2). A date is not a scorched-earth review.

Near in meaning

critical

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