What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
caustic
Example
She made a caustic remark about his appearance. [caustic: adjective]
Example
The caustic soda burned through the metal pipe. [caustic: noun]
scathing
Example
The movie received scathing reviews from the critics. [scathing: adjective]
Example
He responded with a scathing remark, leaving her speechless. [scathing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Caustic is more commonly used than scathing in everyday language. Caustic remarks can be found in various contexts, including humor and satire, while scathing comments are typically reserved for situations where strong criticism or anger is expressed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between caustic and scathing?
Both caustic and scathing are informal in nature and are commonly used in casual conversations or informal writing. However, scathing may carry a slightly stronger negative connotation and is often used in more serious or formal contexts to emphasize the severity of the criticism.
