Barbed
/bɑːrbd/
adjectiveBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
Having sharp points that hook or catch.
/bɑːrbd/
adjectiveneutralBeginner
General
Having barbs or points.
The barbed wire was difficult to remove.
💡 Simply: Having sharp, pointy hooks.
More Examples
2
He carefully avoided the barbed thorns.
How It's Used
Fishing
"He used a barbed hook to catch the fish."
Gardening
"The rose bushes had barbed stems."
2
Intended to cause pain or offense.
/bɑːrbd/
adjectivenegativeIntermediate
General
Harsh or critical; hurtful.
His barbed remarks left everyone feeling uncomfortable.
💡 Simply: Mean and hurtful.
More Examples
2
The critic's barbed review was scathing.
How It's Used
Conversation
"Her barbed comments stung him deeply."
Tip:Imagine words like barbed wire, piercing and hurting.
From Middle English *barbed*, from Old French *barbé*, past participle of *barber* "to have a beard", from *barbe* "beard", ultimately of Germanic origin.
The word's use to describe sharp points predates its use for harsh remarks.
Memory tip
Think of a barbed wire fence – it's covered in sharp, hooking points.
Word Origin
LanguageOld French
Original meaning
"bearded"
barbed wirebarbed commentbarbed hook
Common misspellings
barbdbarbde
Practice
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written