vitriolic
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “vitriolic” mean?
adjective.filled with bitter criticism or malice.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts involving debates, criticisms, or discussions of social issues, emphasizing harshness and intense hostility in communication. It implies a level of venomous intensity that goes beyond mere disapproval, distinguishing it from milder terms like "critical" or "disparaging," which lack the same degree of emotional aggression.
Common Confusions
Vitriolic implies a harsh and venomous level of criticism, while critical usually suggests a more measured or evaluative assessment without the same intense hostility.
Do not choose vitriolic if the context emphasizes praise or admiration rather than being filled with bitter criticism or malice.
Example Sentences
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His vitriolic response to the review made editors avoid him.