How Do You Spell MORDACIOUS?

Pronunciation: [mɔːdˈe͡ɪʃəs] (IPA)

Mordacious is spelled with four syllables: /mɔːˈdeɪʃəs/. The initial syllable, "mor," is pronounced with the vowel sound in "more," while the second syllable, "da," has the vowel sound in "day." The third syllable, "cious," begins with the consonant sound /ʃ/ (like "sh" in "shoe") and ends with the sound /ʌs/ (like "us" in "thus"). The word is an adjective meaning "biting" or "sharp," often used to describe a sarcastic or caustic comment.

MORDACIOUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Mordacious is an adjective that describes a sharp or biting quality, often used to characterize speech or a person's demeanor. It is derived from the Latin word "mordax," meaning "biting" or "snapping," and bears a similar connotation. When someone is described as mordacious, it means they possess a tendency to speak or act in a caustic, cutting, or trenchant manner.

    This term typically applies to someone who is inclined to make sarcastic remarks, cutting remarks, or biting criticisms. The use of sarcasm or acerbic wit can be seen as a form of verbal aggression. Being mordacious may also involve using biting words intentionally to hurt or ridicule others, expressing a level of treacherous or malicious intent.

    The descriptor "mordacious" can also be used to describe the critical nature of speech or dialogue itself, such as in a debate or argument, where participants may employ probing or biting remarks to challenge their opponent's position. This quality can be especially characteristic of individuals who possess a sharp intellect and wield their intelligence to assert their dominance or superiority in conversations.

    In summary, "mordacious" describes an individual or speech that is biting, sarcastic, or critical, often involving a sharp-edged wit or a malicious intent to undermine or belittle others.

  2. Apt to bite; biting; snappish; sarcastic.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MORDACIOUS

  • nordacious
  • kordacious
  • jordacious
  • mirdacious
  • mkrdacious
  • mlrdacious
  • mprdacious
  • m0rdacious
  • m9rdacious
  • moedacious
  • moddacious
  • mofdacious
  • motdacious
  • mo5dacious
  • mo4dacious
  • morsacious
  • morxacious
  • morcacious
  • morfacious

Etymology of MORDACIOUS

The word "mordacious" is derived from the Latin word "mordax", which means "biting" or "sharp-toothed". It is formed from the verb "mordere", meaning "to bite". The "acious" suffix in English is used to form adjectives, indicating the characteristic or nature of something. Therefore, "mordacious" describes the quality of being biting or sharp-toothed in a figurative sense, often referring to a person's or an animal's sharp wit, sarcasm, or severity in language or behavior.

Similar spelling words for MORDACIOUS

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