scathingly

IPA/ˈskeɪðɪŋli/
IPA/ˈskeɪðɪŋli/

scathingly — adverb

1. in a harshly critical way, without showing any respect for the person or thing b

1.副詞C1
釋義

in a harshly critical way, without showing any respect for the person or thing being judged

例句

Hoa's supervisor scathingly dismissed her proposal in front of the whole department.

scathingly + dismissed — rejecting an idea with harsh criticism

The food critic wrote scathingly about the cold pasta and the waiter's rude attitude.

wrote scathingly about [topic] — preposition pattern

同義詞
  • harshly

    more general; can apply to physical conditions or treatment, not only criticism

  • severely

    emphasizes seriousness and intensity rather than disrespect

  • caustically

    stresses bitterness and a sarcastic, biting tone

  • mercilessly

    focuses on lack of pity or mercy; broader than verbal criticism

反義詞
  • gently

    with kindness, softness, and respect

  • mildly

    without severity or harshness

用法筆記

Typically modifies speech and writing verbs (criticize, condemn, dismiss, write, remark, review). The action being described must be negative or critical — you cannot use 'scathingly' with positive verbs like 'praise' or 'compliment.'

常見錯誤

❌She scathingly praised the team's effort.
✅She scathingly criticized the team's effort.
💡'scathingly' can only describe negative, critical actions; it never pairs with positive verbs.