z The Black Death is a perfectly horrifying example of the word
virulent. This word has a literal meaning of “extremely infectious
RUGHDGO\ ́DVLQD³YLUXOHQWGLVHDVH ́,WDOVRKDVDPRUH¿JXUDWLYH
meaning—“bitterly hostile,” as in a “virulent personal attack.”z Virulent is related to the English word virus and comes from the
Latin word virus, meaning “poison.” Synonyms and related words
include pernicious, acerbic, caustic, acrimonious, and vitriolic.Pernicious (adjective)
Exceedingly harmful or destructive; deadly.Mordant (adjective)
Bitingly sarcastic.z Like trenchant, mordant can imply a sharp wit, but it is used to
emphasize the biting, sarcastic nature of the language. Someone
who is mordant has the ability to drive home disagreeable truths in a
sardonic, caustic manner. Mordant comments imply insensitiveness
or even outright maliciousness in intent. Thus, mordant is a bit
nastier than trenchant.z Synonyms and closely related words for mordant include caustic,
acrid, and scathing.
ż Caustic is a close synonym for mordant.ż Use acrid when you want to stress bitterness or even malevolence.ż Scathing often implies righteous indignation and can describe
D ZLWKHULQJ FULWLFLVP RU D ¿HUFH UDNLQJ RYHU WKH FRDOV )RU
example, you might see a “scathing expose” of a politician’s
corrupt administration by an investigative reporter on the
news. In other words, scathing criticismDOWKRXJK¿HUFHFDQ
come from a good motive. In contrast, mordant criticism often
implies ill intent.