Caricatured is spelled as /kærɪkətjʊrd/. The first syllable is pronounced as /kær/ which rhymes with "bar". The second syllable is /ɪk/ which sounds like "ick". The third syllable is /ət/ which rhymes with "cat". The fourth syllable is /jʊrd/ which is pronounced like "yured". Overall, this word is spelled phonetically to match its pronunciation. It means a drawing or description that exaggerates certain features of a person or thing in order to create a comical or grotesque effect.
Caricatured is the past participle form of the verb "caricature," which refers to the act of creating or representing exaggerations or distortions of someone or something's physical features or characteristics for comic or satirical purposes. Derived from the Italian word "caricatura," meaning "an exaggerated portrayal," the verb caricature suggests the act of transforming ordinary objects, individuals, or ideas into a more comical or ludicrous representation.
When an individual or object is caricatured, their most prominent or distinct features are often magnified or overly emphasized, resulting in a deliberately exaggerated and often humorous representation. This form of artistic or literary technique is commonly employed in cartoons, political satires, or comic strips to provoke laughter, criticism, or social commentary. Caricaturing can involve the overemphasis of physical characteristics such as facial features, body proportions, or mannerisms, or it can extend to the representation of personality traits, behavioral patterns, or societal stereotypes.
The process of caricaturing usually involves simplified or distorted drawings, accompanying humorous captions, or portrayals through exaggerated imitations or performances. Caricatured individuals or objects are often recognizable due to the specific features or attributes that have been purposefully exaggerated or distorted, which contribute to their comical or satirical effect. Ultimately, caricatured entities serve as a means of drawing attention to the peculiar or noteworthy aspects of reality in an engaging and entertaining manner while often shedding light on societal or political issues through the power of humor and exaggeration.
The word "caricatured" is derived from the noun "caricature". The etymology of "caricature" can be traced back to the Italian word "caricatura", which means "an exaggerated portrayal" or "a loaded portrait". It originated from the verb "caricare", meaning "to load" or "to exaggerate". The Italian term "caricare" comes from the Latin word "carricare", which means "to load" or "to burden". The notion of exaggeration is central to the concept of caricature, as it involves depicting someone or something in a comically distorted or exaggerated manner. Over time, the verb form "caricature" was created, which gave rise to the adjective "caricatured" describing something that has been rendered in a caricature-like manner.