WordGarden.iosatiric
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sətˈɪrɪk/
US
- /səˈtɪrɪk/
Meanings
Adjective
using ridicule or irony to criticize human folly, vice, or institutions
Beyond the definition
Something satiric uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices. Think of a comedian who makes you laugh while also making a point about something serious—that's often satire at work! It isn't just silliness; it has an edge. Political cartoons are frequently satiric, poking fun at politicians to highlight their flaws. You might say a movie is "satiric" if it uses comedy to comment on society.
Satire can be gentle or biting, subtle or obvious. The key is that it's not just about something; it's making a statement through humor. A truly effective satiric piece will make you laugh and think at the same time. Think of Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal"—horrifyingly funny, but with a very serious point about poverty in Ireland.
The word "satiric" describes something that employs satire—a literary technique using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's flaws, societal issues, or vices. It's more than just being funny; it aims to provoke thought and often inspire change by holding up a mirror to absurdity.
Satire isn't always lighthearted. While it can be playful and witty, it frequently tackles serious subjects like politics, religion, or social injustice. A satiric work might use sarcasm to mock authority figures, create exaggerated characters to represent societal types, or employ irony to highlight contradictions. Think of the television show The Colbert Report, where Stephen Colbert played a conservative pundit to satirize right-wing media.
Historically, satire dates back to ancient Rome with writers like Juvenal and Horace. It's been used throughout literature and art as a powerful tool for social commentary. You'll find it in novels (like Catch-22 by Joseph Heller), films (Dr. Strangelove is a classic example), and even everyday conversations where someone uses humor to point out hypocrisy or foolishness.
It's important to distinguish satire from simple parody, which merely imitates something for comedic effect. Satire has an underlying critical purpose—it's not just what it mocks, but why. So, if you encounter a work that makes you chuckle while also prompting you to question the world around you, chances are it's deeply satiric.
Examples
- 1
Political cartoon
The newspaper ran a satiric cartoon about the mayor.
- 2
Suburban life
Her novel takes a satiric look at life in the suburbs.
- 3
Film tone
The film is satiric, but it still shows sympathy for its characters.
- 4
Office politics
He used a light, satiric tone when talking about office politics.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- satiricadjective