vitriolic

/ˌvɪtriˈɒlɪk/ (bre, ipa) · [vˌɪtriˈɑlɪk] /ˌvɪtriˈɑːlɪk/ (ame, ipa) · [vˌɪtriˈɑlɪk] /¦vi‧trē¦älik How to pronounce vitriolic (audio) -lēk,  chiefly in substandard speech və̇‧ˈträ-/ (ame, mw)

vitriolic — adjective

  • vitriolicpositive
  • more vitrioliccomparative
  • most vitriolicsuperlative

1. showing bitter anger in words that attack someone or something in a cruel, hosti

1.形容詞C1
釋義

showing bitter anger in words that attack someone or something in a cruel, hostile way

例句

Ziad sent a vitriolic email after the editor cut his article.

vitriolic email after + criticism

The senator's vitriolic speech turned a calm debate into a fight.

vitriolic speech - hostile public language

同義詞
  • caustic

    often sounds sharper and more cutting, sometimes with a cooler or wittier edge

  • scathing

    focuses on fierce criticism, especially in reviews or public comments

  • venomous

    stronger and darker, suggesting a wish to hurt the other person

  • bitter

    broader and can describe feelings as well as the words they produce

反義詞
  • measured

    controlled and restrained in tone

  • gracious

    polite and generous instead of hostile

文法句型

vitriolic + noun (attack, remark, speech, email, post)

be vitriolic about/towards somebody or something

用法筆記

Most often used for language such as comments, emails, speeches, or posts. It can also follow be with about or towards to name the target, and it usually suggests deep bitterness rather than a brief burst of temper.

常見錯誤

❌The soup tasted vitriolic.
✅The soup tasted bitter.
💡Vitriolic describes hostile language or attitude, not physical taste.
❌She looked vitriolic at me.
✅She made a vitriolic remark about me.
💡Vitriolic usually describes words, comments, or tone, not a facial expression by itself.