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Trenchant

Adjective

IPA /ˈtrɛntʃənt/

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Meaning in plain English

Incisive, sharp, or forceful—especially in expression or style; often used to describe keen analysis or biting wit.

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Pronunciation

Trenchant/ˈtrɛntʃənt/

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Identify the central weakness
Explain it sharply and forcefully

Trenchant criticism is incisive and powerfully expressed.

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Her trenchant critique of the education system left no flaw unexposed.
The comedian’s trenchant humor tackled social issues with both wit and honesty.

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Her ________ critique of the education system left no flaw unexposed.

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Trenchant — Incisive, sharp, or forceful—especially in expression or style; often used to describe keen analysis or biting wit.

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Incisive, sharp, or forceful—especially in expression or style; often used to describe keen analysis or biting wit.

Compare: Her trenchant critique of the education system left no flaw unexposed.

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Trenchant criticism needs substance

A trenchant observation is sharp, clear and forceful. It may be severe, but it is not merely an insult. Useful combinations include trenchant analysis, trenchant criticism and trenchant remarks. Ask whether the comment identifies a real weakness, rather than judging only how strongly it is expressed.

In context: Her trenchant analysis showed that the proposal counted the same expense twice.

Try it: A reviewer only calls a book “rubbish” without explanation. Is that necessarily trenchant analysis?

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No. Forceful language alone is not incisive analysis. A trenchant critique would explain the important weakness.

Compare with Vituperative →

Dictionary reference: Merriam-Webster: Trenchant.

Word origin

From Old French trenchant meaning “cutting, sharp,” from trenchier—“to cut.”

Did you know?

Trenchant commonly describes criticism, analysis or remarks that are clear and forceful. It need not mean rude or abusive.

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