Vocabulary Spotlight
Caustic
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Capable of burning or corroding; also used to describe sharp, biting, or sarcastic comments.
“Her caustic remarks left everyone in stunned silence.”
Pronunciation
[KAW-stik]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Abrasive
Acrid
Biting
Sarcastic
Antonyms
Mild
Kind
Soothing
Bland
Related Words
Acrimony
Harshness
Word Origin
“Caustic” comes from the Greek word kaustikos, meaning “capable of burning,” through Latin, entering English in the 14th century as a description for both chemical properties and sharp comments.
Word Family
Adjective: Caustic – Describing something corrosive or sarcastic.
Noun: Causticity – The quality of being caustic.
Mnemonics
Think “Caustic chemicals cause burns,” helping to remember both corrosive chemicals and burning comments.
Industry-specific Usage
Chemistry
In chemistry, caustic substances like lye or bleach have corrosive properties, often used in industrial applications.
Medicine
In medicine, caustic chemicals can burn or corrode tissue, requiring careful handling.
Social Commentary
In social commentary, caustic remarks describe sharp, often sarcastic or biting criticism.
In Context
“Caustic” is used to describe substances that can cause burns and also to depict biting or harsh remarks. In both cases, it implies a potent, sometimes harmful effect, whether on material surfaces or emotional interactions.