barbed

/bɑːbd/ (bre, ipa) · /bɑːrbd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbärbd/ (ame, mw)

barbed — adjective

  • barbedpositive
  • barbedercomparative
  • barbedestsuperlative

1. Describes an object, such as a hook, wire or animal quill, that has small sharp

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Describes an object, such as a hook, wire or animal quill, that has small sharp points facing backward so it can catch, grip or wound.

例句

The farmer replaced the old fence with a roll of barbed wire to keep the cattle inside the field.

barbed wire — common compound noun for fencing with sharp points

Mei cut her finger on the barbed hook of the fishing lure while sorting her tackle box.

同義詞
  • spiked

    general term for anything with points; does not imply backward curve

  • hooked

    emphasises the curved shape rather than the sharp point

  • prickly

    softer; describes a surface covered with small sharp points, not necessarily backward-facing

反義詞
  • smooth

    without any points or raised edges

  • blunt

    not sharp; cannot cut or pierce

文法句型

barbed + [noun] (wire, hook, quill, arrowhead)

用法筆記

Primarily used attributively in compound nouns such as barbed wire, barbed hook, and barbed arrow. In biology, barbed also describes animal parts (porcupine quills, cat tongues) where points face backward.

2. Describes spoken or written language — such as a remark, comment, or question —

2.形容詞B2
釋義

Describes spoken or written language — such as a remark, comment, or question — that is deliberately sharp and hurtful, often in an indirect or clever way.

例句

Fatima made a barbed comment about Daniel's cooking, and everyone at the table grew quiet.

barbed comment — common collocation for deliberately hurtful speech

During the debate, Senator Rivera directed several barbed remarks at her opponent's voting record.

同義詞
  • cutting

    more personal and emotionally wounding; often about someone's character

  • biting

    stronger and more openly hostile; less subtle

  • caustic

    formal register; suggests a corrosive, sarcastic quality

  • sharp

    broader; can be neutral (intellectually pointed) or negative (hurtful)

反義詞
  • kind

    showing warmth and consideration

  • gentle

    mild and soft in expression, not hurtful

  • complimentary

    expressing praise or admiration

文法句型

barbed + [noun] (remark, comment, criticism, question, wit)

用法筆記

Almost always describes spoken or written language (remark, comment, criticism) rather than a person's character or tone of voice. Compare with cutting (more personal, aimed at someone's feelings) and biting (more openly hostile). Distinguish from sense 1, which refers to physical sharp points.

常見錯誤

❌Her sharp question was quite barbed but she meant well.
✅Her question was sharp but she meant well.' or 'Her barbed question was meant to hurt.
💡'barbed' always implies deliberate hurtfulness; it cannot carry a neutral or positive intention.