Caricature
/ˈkærɪkəˌtʃʊr/
Definitions
2 meaningsA picture, description, or imitation of a person or thing in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated in order to create a comic or grotesque effect.
/ˈkærɪkəˌtʃʊr/
Exaggerated portrayal for comic effect
The magazine featured a caricature of the celebrity.
💡 Simply: A funny drawing or description that makes someone look silly by exaggerating their features.
More Examples
His portrayal was more of a caricature than a realistic depiction.
How It's Used
"The artist created a hilarious caricature of the politician."
"The novel contained satirical caricatures of social climbers."
To make or produce a caricature of.
/ˈkærɪkəˌtʃʊr/
To represent someone in a caricature
The comedian caricatured the politician's speech patterns.
💡 Simply: To draw or describe someone in a funny, exaggerated way.
More Examples
He caricatured his friend's obsession with cats.
How It's Used
"The author caricatured the villain's greed."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From French *caricature*, from Italian *caricare* "to load, charge, exaggerate", ultimately from Latin *carrus* "a cart, burden". The original sense referred to the overloading of a cart, then to exaggerated representation in art.
Initially used primarily in visual arts, its literary application grew over time as a form of satire and social commentary.
Memory tip
Think 'carry-kature': It carries an exaggerated nature.
Word Origin
"to load, charge, exaggerate"