Words / C2

TRENCH-uh-nt/ˈtrentʃənt/

Trenchant means, of criticism or analysis, strong, clear, and effective: a trenchant critique. Sharp is everyday; incisive is a close synonym; cutting can be merely unkind. Formal, usually praise for argument. In speech, sharp and to the point is enough. A trenchant comment slices to the issue; a rude one only slices the person. Do not use it for a blunt insult.

Meaning

Of criticism or analysis: strong, clear, and effective (formal).

Examples

• “She made a trenchant critique of the essay.”
• “She made a trenchant case against the metric: it measured speed, not learning.”
• “Trenchant footnotes are a pleasure; trenchant abuse in the margin is not.”

Good to know

Sharp, effective criticism/analysis (formal, often praise). Everyday: incisive / to the point. Close: incisive. Not mere rudeness.

Near in meaning

incisive

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