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satire

n.
US //ˈsæˌtaɪɝ// UK //sˈætaɪə// satire
  1. 1 the style of criticism (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the use of humor and irony to criticize people's stupidity or bad habits, especially in politics.

    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.

    Example

    The television show uses satire to mock the way politicians behave during elections.

    Example

    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.
  2. 2 a specific work (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a specific play, book, or film that uses this style of humor.

    a specific literary work, film, or artistic production that employs satirical techniques.

    Example

    Animal Farm is a famous satire about the dangers of absolute power.

    Example

    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.
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  1. 3 harsh criticism (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

    a very sharp or unkind remark meant to hurt someone's feelings.

    sharpness or severity of remark; a biting or cutting quality in speech or writing.

    Example

    The critic's review was full of satire that left the young actor feeling discouraged.

    Example

    The essay was marked by a certain cold satire that dismissed the opponent's arguments as mere childishness.

    Teacher's 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.
Origin

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”).

Word family

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