English · Arts & Literature

satire

/ˈsæt.aɪə/

[/ˈsæt.aɪə/]

mocking criticism

Advancednoun

Definition

Writing or art that uses humour, exaggeration, or irony to criticise people or society.

Example

The play was a sharp satire mocking the greed and vanity of the country's politicians.

The play was a sharp satire mocking the greed and vanity of the country's politicians.

Etymology

From Latin 'satira' (a medley, satire), from 'satura' (a full dish, mixture).

How & Where It’s Used

Used in literature, comedy, cartoons, and political commentary.

Literary Heritage

Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal' (1729) is a classic of English satire.

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