scathing
Group 13Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Witheringly scornful; severely critical GRE
Example in Context
The inspector general's scathing report documented systemic failures that had gone unreported for more than a decade.
Synonyms
harshbitingbrutal
Etymology
A term describing harsh and severe criticism.
- scath (Old English) — to harm
Memory Aid
🛁Sounds like “scathing bath”
Taking a SCATHING BATH where the water is so hot, it burns all your bad reviews!
Visual Association
🔥A critic with a flaming pen, writing a scalding review that sets papers ablaze.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “scathing” mean on the GRE?
scathing (adjective) means “Witheringly scornful; severely critical”. The inspector general's scathing report documented systemic failures that had gone unreported for more than a decade.
How to remember “scathing” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “scathing” sounds like “scathing bath”. Taking a SCATHING BATH where the water is so hot, it burns all your bad reviews!
What are synonyms for “scathing”?
Common synonyms: harsh, biting, brutal.