1
Core quality
Able to burn or corrode; figuratively, sharply sarcastic, bitter, or cutting.
Example
Workers wore gloves when handling the caustic solution.
caustic
/ˈkɔːstɪk/ · KAW-stikadjective
Able to burn or corrode; figuratively, sharply sarcastic, bitter, or cutting.
Use caustic to express this relationship precisely: able to burn or corrode; figuratively, sharply sarcastic, bitter, or cutting.
What caustic Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Her caustic review mocked the author's pretensions.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The debate was pointed but not caustic.
Use caustic Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Workers wore gloves when handling the caustic solution.
Her caustic review mocked the author's pretensions.
The debate was pointed but not caustic.
Precision Matters
Caustic overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
caustic
vs.Means able to burn or corrode; figuratively, sharply sarcastic, bitter, or cutting.
cordial
Means warm, friendly, sincere, and polite in manner or relations.
caustic
vs.Means able to burn or corrode; figuratively, sharply sarcastic, bitter, or cutting.
emollient
Means soothing, softening, or calming, especially to irritated skin or tense feelings.
caustic
vs.Means able to burn or corrode; figuratively, sharply sarcastic, bitter, or cutting.
temperate
Means moderate, restrained, and not extreme; in climate, mild rather than very hot or cold.
caustic
vs.Means able to burn or corrode; figuratively, sharply sarcastic, bitter, or cutting.
vitriolic
Means filled with bitter hatred, venomous hostility, or extremely harsh criticism.
Test caustic in Context
The language is bitter, cutting, and verbally stinging.
1
The critic's ___ comments were intended to wound rather than merely disagree.