satirical
UK[səˈtɪrɪkəl]US[səˈtɪrɪkəl]
adj
Using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
Morpheme Breakdown
satir
ic
al
satir
poetic lampoon
ic
adjective suffix
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'satirical' has its roots in the Latin term 'satura', which originally described a "medley" or "mixture" – specifically, a poetic form that blended various subjects and styles. This evolved into the literary genre of 'satire', a work that mixes humor and criticism to expose folly. The suffix '-ic' was added to form the adjective 'satiric', pertaining to this genre, and the further addition of the adjectival suffix '-al' reinforced this descriptive quality. Thus, the modern word 'satirical' retains the core idea of its ancient root: a composition that blends critique with humor, now describing any work or tone characterized by this mocking exposure of vice or stupidity.
Analysis
Structure: satir (poetic lampoon) + ic (adjective suffix) + al (adjective suffix)
- satir: From Latin 'satira' or 'satura' (a poetic medley, a mixture), referring to a literary form of ridicule.
- ic: A suffix of Greek and Latin origin used to form adjectives meaning "of, pertaining to, or having the nature of".
- al: A suffix of Latin origin used to form adjectives meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by".
Examples
The show is a satirical take on modern office culture.
He wrote a satirical column for the newspaper, lampooning political figures.
Her satirical cartoons often provoke both laughter and debate.