Caustic
/ˈkɔːstɪk/
adjectivenounC1
Definition
Caustic means able to burn or eat away by a chemical reaction, like some strong acids or chemicals. It can also describe words or comments that are very sharp, biting, or hurtful, like when someone speaks in a way that stings emotionally.
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See It in Action
Chemical meaning: able to burn or destroy by chemical action
- •Caustic soda is used to clean drains because it can burn away grease.
- •The caustic chemical damaged the metal surface quickly.
- •Handle caustic substances with care to avoid burns.
Figurative meaning: sharp, bitter, or hurtful speech or writing
- •Her caustic remarks made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
- •The critic's caustic review hurt the actor's feelings.
- •He answered with a caustic tone that showed his anger.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'caustic' like 'burn' (A1 word), but not just physical burning—also burning with words that hurt feelings
- ✓Picture touching a strong acid that makes a small hole in your skin or metal, or a very sharp, bitter comment that feels like a burn in your heart
- ✓It's the feeling when someone says something very mean or sarcastic that makes you feel hurt or angry inside
- ✓Sounds like 'CAUSE-tic' → imagine a word causing a small fire or burn on your skin or feelings
- ✓Think of a character in a story who uses sharp, biting words that cut others deeply, like a villain with a sharp tongue
- ✓NOT like 'hot' (temperature), but caustic is about burning or eating away by chemicals or words
- ✓NOT like 'angry' (feeling), caustic describes the way something burns or cuts sharply, either physically or emotionally
- ✓NOT like 'polite' or 'nice' speech, caustic speech is often rude or harsh on purpose
Try Other Words
- •Burning: able to cause physical damage by heat or chemicals (Use when focusing on physical damage)
- •Biting: very critical or hurtful speech (Use when describing harsh words or tone)
- •Acidic: having qualities like acid, often physically burning (Use in chemical contexts)
- •Sarcastic: using irony to mock or convey contempt (Use when caustic speech is also mocking)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin 'causticus' meaning 'burning,' from Greek 'kaustikos' (related to burning)
- •Etymology: comes from Greek and Latin roots meaning to burn or scorch
- •Historical development: originally used to describe substances that burn or corrode; later used for harsh speech
- •Modern usage: used both in science for chemicals and in everyday language for sharp, hurtful comments
Reflect & Connect
•How can words be as 'caustic' as chemicals? Can you think of times when words felt like a burn?
•When is it better to avoid caustic speech, and when might it be useful or necessary?
Fill in the blanks
1.Caustic chemicals can ___ metal or skin if not handled carefully.
2.When someone speaks in a caustic way, they usually want to ___ or hurt feelings.
3.Unlike polite speech, caustic remarks often make people feel ___ or angry.
4.A caustic substance is strong enough to ___ or destroy material.
5.The critic's caustic review was full of ___ and harsh words.
6.Caustic comments often come with a ___ tone that shows anger or dislike.
7.You should wear gloves when working with caustic ___ to protect your skin.