caustic
/ˈkɒstɪk/
Group 2Difficulty 2/3
Definitions
- (adjective)
- Sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way GRE
- (adjective)
- Able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action
Example in Context
The critic's caustic review of the film was so devastating that the studio pulled its advertising campaign entirely.
Synonyms
bitingsharpsarcastic
Etymology
From Greek meaning 'burning,' it now describes scathing sarcasm.
- causticus (Greek) — burning
Memory Aid
🔥Sounds like “cough stick”
Imagine someone coughing up a fiery stick while saying, 'That’s a CAUSTIC comment!' — it's sharply sarcastic!
Visual Association
💔A comedian on stage delivering razor-sharp jokes that cut through the crowd.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “caustic” mean on the GRE?
caustic (adjective) means “Sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way”. The critic's caustic review of the film was so devastating that the studio pulled its advertising campaign entirely.
How to remember “caustic” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “caustic” sounds like “cough stick”. Imagine someone coughing up a fiery stick while saying, 'That’s a CAUSTIC comment!' — it's sharply sarcastic!
What are synonyms for “caustic”?
Common synonyms: biting, sharp, sarcastic.