Word
satire
US/ˈsæˌtaɪɝ/
UK/sˈætaɪə/
Definitions
01the style of criticism
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the use of humor and irony to criticize people's stupidity or bad habits, especially in politics.
n. the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
“The television show uses satire to mock the way politicians behave during elections.”
“The playwright mastered the art of political satire, using sharp wit to highlight the hypocrisy of the ruling class without naming them directly.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun to describe the genre or technique.
02a specific work
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a specific play, book, or film that uses this style of humor.
n. a specific literary work, film, or artistic production that employs satirical techniques.
“Animal Farm is a famous satire about the dangers of absolute power.”
“His latest novel is a biting satire on the shallow nature of modern celebrity culture.”
Usage
Used as a countable noun when referring to a specific creative work.
Synonyms
03harsh criticism
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic · Literary
n. a very sharp or unkind remark meant to hurt someone's feelings.
n. sharpness or severity of remark; a biting or cutting quality in speech or writing.
“The critic's review was full of satire that left the young actor feeling discouraged.”
“The essay was marked by a certain cold satire that dismissed the opponent's arguments as mere childishness.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, 'satire' almost always implies a creative work or social commentary; using it to mean simple 'harshness' is rare and feels old-fashioned.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“By now, Orwell’s dystopian satire has been held as a mirror to everything from Trump to TikTok.” “Smart teen flicks: Tapping into teens’ self-deprecating sense of humor, Hollywood produced inexpensive satires like Rushmore , Legally Blonde and Mean Girls , hits in theaters and at the local Blockbuster.” Etymology
From Middle French satire, from Old French, from Latin satira, from earlier satura, from lanx satura (“full dish”), from feminine of satur. Altered in Latin by influence of Ancient Greek σάτυρος (sáturos, “satyr”), on the mistaken notion that the form is related to the Greek σατυρικὸν δράμα (saturikòn dráma, “satyr drama”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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