noun
satire
SA-teye-uh
noun
1
A form of writing, art, or performance that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people, institutions, or society.
"The show is a satire of modern political life."
"His novel is a sharp satire on corporate greed."
How to Use Satire
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsing humor or exaggeration to mock and criticize something, usually to make a point.
Common mistake
Satire pokes fun to criticize; parody imitates a specific work mainly for comic effect — the two overlap but aren't identical.
Common pairings
political satire
a work of satire
satire on
Word Forms
satires plural
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The show is a _____ of modern political life.
Etymology
From Latin satira, originally referring to a mixed, varied composition; the spelling later shifted under the mistaken belief it was connected to the Greek "satyr," though the two words are historically unrelated.