caricature
caricature
Pronunciation
bested (IPA: /ˈbɛstɪd/)
Here's the IPA phonetic spelling for "caricature" for a British accent:
kærɪkəˈtʃʊə (four syllables)
Breakdown of sounds by syllable:
kar (kʰær):
kʰ - voiceless velar plosive (similar to "k" but with a puff of air)
æ - near-open front unrounded vowel (like "a" in "cat")
r - alveolar trill (a vibration of the tongue tip)
i (ɪ) - near-close near-central unrounded vowel (like the "i" in "bit")
kə (kə) - schwa (a mid central vowel sound)
tʃʊə (tʃʊə):
tʃ - voiceless postalveolar affricate (combination of "t" and "sh")
ʊ - close back rounded vowel (like "oo" in "boot")
ə - schwa (a mid central vowel sound)
Word Form Variations
Noun (singular): caricature
Noun (plural): caricatures
Verb (present tense): caricatures (This might sound unusual to use "caricatures" as the present tense verb form, but it's grammatically correct. A more common alternative would be "to caricature")
Verb (past tense): caricatured
Verb (present participle): caricaturing
Adjective:
caricatural (emphasizes the qualities of a caricature)
caricaturist (a noun referring to someone who creates caricatures)
Less common variations:
caricaturable (adjective - able to be caricatured)
self-caricature (noun - a caricature of oneself)
semi-caricatural (adjective - somewhat resembling a caricature)
uncaricatured (adjective - not exaggerated or distorted)
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA.
Register Now.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA. Register Now.
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: A representation of a person, object, or idea that exaggerates characteristic features for comic or critical effect. (e.g., The artist drew a caricature of the politician with a huge nose.)
Synonyms: Cartoon (informal), lampoon, parody (when used for humour), satire, travesty
Antonyms: Realistic portrayal, faithful representation, understatement
Verb:
Definition: To create a caricature of someone or something. (e.g., The cartoonist likes to caricature celebrities in the newspaper.)
Synonyms: Exaggerate for comic effect, lampoon, parody (when used for humour), satirise
Antonyms: Depict realistically, represent faithfully, understate
Adjective:
1. Caricatured: Exaggerated in a way that resembles a caricature. (e.g., The actor's facial expressions were so caricatured during the performance.)
Synonyms: Exaggerated, cartoonish, grotesque, over-the-top
Antonyms: Realistic, understated, subtle
2. Caricaturist: (a) Of a person: Skilled at creating caricatures. (e.g., She's a talented caricaturist who can capture someone's likeness in a few strokes.) (b) Of a style: Characterised by exaggeration. (e.g., The movie had a caricaturist portrayal of the villain.)
Synonyms (for person): Cartoonist (informal), satirist
Antonyms (for person): Realist
Synonyms (for style): Exaggerated, cartoonish, grotesque
Antonyms (for style): Realistic, understated, subtle
Less Common:
Caricaturable: (adjective) Able to be effectively caricatured due to prominent features. (e.g., His bushy eyebrows made him very caricaturable.)
Self-caricature: (noun) A person's behaviour or appearance that unintentionally resembles a caricature. (e.g., The politician's constant angry speeches became a self-caricature.)
Semi-caricatural: (adjective) Somewhat resembling a caricature, with some exaggeration but not overly distorted. (e.g., The illustration had a semi-caricatural style that captured the essence of the characters.)
Uncaricatured: (adjective) Not exaggerated or distorted; presented realistically. (e.g., The biography offered an uncaricatured portrait of the historical figure.)
Examples of Use
1. Literature:
In Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist, the character Mr. Bumble is described as a "pompous beadle" whose "whole appearance was a caricature of importance" (Dickens, Chapter II).
2. Newspapers:
A newspaper headline might read: "President's Policies Caricatured by Opposition Cartoons" ( hypothetical headline).
3. Online Publications:
A social media post critiquing a celebrity's outfit could say: "That dress is such a caricature of high fashion!" (hypothetical post).
4. Entertainment Mediums:
In the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Detective Eddie Valiant encounters caricatures of famous cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse.
Similarly, many political cartoons use caricature to exaggerate a politician's features for satirical commentary (e.g., editorial cartoons in various publications).
5. Public Discourse:
During a heated debate, someone might accuse their opponent of "caricaturing their views" to make them seem more extreme (common usage in political discussions).
"My dad's snoring is such a caricature, it sounds like a foghorn!" (everyday conversation)
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA.
Register Now.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA. Register Now.
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Caricature
While there aren't many direct quotes using the word "caricature," here are 10 famous quotes that capture the essence of caricature or its related ideas:
"What's natural is beautiful, and when you're not you anymore, you become a caricature." - Elbert Hubbard (American writer) (This quote highlights how exaggeration can distort someone's true nature.)
"The world is a perpetual caricature of itself; at every moment it is the mockery and the contradiction of what it is pretending to be." - George Santayana (American philosopher) (This quote emphasises how reality can often be exaggerated or absurd.)
"Life strives to be genuine - art strives to be beautiful." - Piet Mondrian (Dutch painter) (This quote contrasts the focus on realism in life with the deliberate exaggeration in art forms like caricature.)
"Satire is what closes down schools; humour is what makes you laugh at yourself." - Kurt Vonnegut (American writer) (This quote suggests how caricature, often used in satire, can be harsh, while humour can be more lighthearted.)
"A parody is a mirror in which everyone sees someone else, except himself." - Charles de Gaulle (French military leader and statesman) (This quote reflects how caricature can expose flaws in others but might be missed when applied to oneself.)
"The purpose of comedy is laughter, not contempt. The purpose of humour is truth, not cruelty." - John W. Gardner (American educator) (This quote highlights the difference between humorous caricature and cruel exaggeration.)
"Exaggeration is the life of satire." - Jonathan Swift (Anglo-Irish writer) (This quote directly emphasises the importance of exaggeration in satirical works, often employing caricature.)
"Fiction reveals truths that reality obscures." - Jessamyn West (American writer) (This quote suggests how caricature, though not realistic, can reveal underlying truths about a person or situation.)
"Without humour, life is a long funeral procession." - Jean Paul (German writer) (This quote highlights the role of humour, often used in caricature, to lighten the seriousness of life.)
"The man who can laugh at himself is not only the most wise, but also the most powerful." - Elbert Hubbard (American writer) (This quote, by the same author as quote 1, emphasises self-awareness and the ability to see the humour in exaggerated portrayals, even of oneself.)
Etymology
The word "caricature" comes from the Italian word "caricatura," which literally means "an overloading" or "an exaggeration." It's like taking a feature of someone or something and turning the volume way up on it!
The first time we see this word used in English was in the 1700s. Back then, it was used to describe a drawing or picture that exaggerated a person's features for comedic or critical effect. This meaning has stuck around ever since.
Interestingly, for a while, people thought "caricature" was connected to the French word "charcuterie," which refers to prepared meats like sausages. This makes sense if you think about it – caricature artists often exaggerate noses, which can look a bit like sausages! But that connection is actually a mistake.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA.
Register Now.
FIND YOURSELF AT SEA. Register Now.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Caricature
A caricature of itself: This phrase describes something that has become so exaggerated or distorted that it's a parody of its original form. (e.g., "The reality show turned into a caricature of itself, with staged arguments and fake drama.")
To be a caricature of someone/something: This means to be an exaggerated or distorted version of someone or something. (e.g., "The actor's portrayal of the villain was a caricature, all growls and menacing glares.")
To reduce something to a caricature: This means to simplify a complex issue or person by focusing only on their most obvious features. (e.g., "The news report reduced the politician's views to a caricature, ignoring the nuances of his position.")
A walking caricature: This is a more informal way of saying someone is a caricature of themselves, with their behaviour or appearance being so exaggerated it's almost comical. (e.g., "My uncle, with his thick glasses and pockets full of pens, is a walking caricature of a stereotypical professor.")
Posts Related to Caricature
Source Information
Definition of caricature from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
