Agency Dictionary
Satirical
adjectivePronunciation: /səˈtɪr.ɪ.kəl/
In Portuguese: Satírico
Writing & Narrative
Arts, Music & MediaWhat does “Satirical” mean?
Containing, using, or characterized by satire; employing irony, ridicule, or humor to expose flaws and absurdities. It serves as an incisive rhetorical device in social and design critique.
Etymology
From Latin satiricus (relating to satire), from satira or satura (a poetic medley, a dish of mixed ingredients), which names the Roman literary genre. The form satiricus is its adjectival derivative. The popular connection to the Greek satyrs is a folk etymology; the Latin satira has a separate Roman origin unrelated to the mythological figures.
Usage note
Satirical describes a work, style, or technique that uses irony or humor to expose faults. Satiric is a less common variant of the same adjective.
Synonyms
- ironic
- sardonic
- mocking
- caustic
Word family
- satire
- satirist
- satirize
- satirically
Rhymes with
- lyrical
- empirical
Usage examples
He basically created “UI comedy”, with satirical mockups of unhinged, absurd ideas.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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