Caustic
Word of the Day
What is Caustic?
adjective
Able to burn or corrode; severely sarcastic or scathing in tone.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to highlight the power of words and reactions — chemical or rhetorical — that leave lasting marks.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The scientist handled the caustic solution with extreme caution.
His caustic wit often amused friends but alienated strangers.
The critic’s caustic review nearly ended the playwright’s career.
Word Origins
Latin causticus, from Greek kaustikos, “capable of burning”
Originally used in medicine and chemistry; later adopted into literature for biting satire and criticism.
First appearance in English: 14th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Noun:
Her causticity made her both admired and feared.
-
Adjective:
He had an acerbic style of commentary.
-
Adjective:
She delivered a biting critique of the proposal.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: cáustico
- French: caustique
- German: ätzend
- Italian: caustico
- Portuguese: cáustico
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Sarcastic
“Sarcastic” can be playful or light; “caustic” is corrosive and often damaging.
Acerbic
“Acerbic” is sharp and sour; “caustic” suggests burning intensity.
Scathing
“Scathing” is severely critical; “caustic” implies both literal and figurative burning.
Fun Facts
- The phrase “caustic wit” became especially popular in 20th-century American criticism.
- Caustic substances were once used in medicine to cauterize wounds — literally burning to heal.
Cultural Usage
- Oscar Wilde and Dorothy Parker were famed for their caustic humor.
- In chemistry, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) is a powerful base used in industry.
Common Mistakes
Often confused with “sarcastic”; “caustic” is harsher, corrosive, and damaging.
Micro Story
Her caustic remarks left the room in uneasy silence.