# satire

/ˈsæˌtaɪɝ/ (US) · /sˈætaɪə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/satire
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. the style of criticism

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a specific work

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. harsh criticism

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The movie is a clever satire about the fashion industry.
- The late-night comedy show uses sharp satire to point out the hypocrisy of current political leaders.
- By exaggerating the bureaucratic absurdities of the corporate world, the novel functions as a biting satire that forces readers to confront their own complicity in the system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.