astringent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical (medical/cosmetic/skincare), literary (criticism)
Quick answer
What does “astringent” mean?
Causing contraction of bodily tissues, especially the skin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Causing contraction of bodily tissues, especially the skin; having a sharp, bitter taste; or being severe or harsh in manner.
A substance that tightens skin tissues and reduces oiliness. Figuratively, a style, tone, or criticism that is harshly biting, direct, and unsparing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage in skincare/medicine and figurative criticism is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in formal or literary contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday conversation; higher frequency in specialised contexts like dermatology, winemaking, and literary criticism.
Grammar
How to Use “astringent” in a Sentence
be + astringent + on + sth (The toner was astringent on her skin.)astringent + noun (astringent remark)find + sth + astringent (I find his prose too astringent.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “astringent” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Rare as verb. 'To astringe' is obsolete.]
American English
- [Rare as verb. 'To astringe' is obsolete.]
adverb
British English
- [Rare. 'Astringently' is possible but uncommon.]
- He commented astringently on the government's policy.
American English
- [Rare. 'Astringently' is possible but uncommon.]
- She wrote astringently about the failures of the system.
adjective
British English
- The witch hazel acts as an astringent solution.
- Her astringent review left no room for sentiment.
American English
- Use an astringent toner for oily skin.
- The journalist was known for her astringent commentary.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in high-level criticism: 'The board's astringent review of the proposal led to its withdrawal.'
Academic
Used in literary/art criticism and scientific writing (biology, chemistry, dermatology). 'The critic's astringent analysis of the novel's politics.'
Everyday
Most common in skincare contexts: 'I use an astringent after cleansing to close my pores.'
Technical
Core use in dermatology (substances that shrink tissues), chemistry, and oenology (describing tannic wines).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “astringent”
- Misspelling as 'adstringent'.
- Using it to mean merely 'strong' or 'effective' without the connotation of harshness/tightening.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'g' (/dʒ/ is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has three main uses: 1) medical/cosmetic (tightening tissues), 2) taste (bitter, puckering), and 3) figurative (harsh, severe tone or style).
Both imply sharpness. 'Acerbic' is almost exclusively for sharpness in speech/manner ('acerbic remark'). 'Astringent' can be literal (skin, taste) and figurative, often implying a tone that is not just sharp but also purging excess emotion or sentimentality.
Yes. Foods like unripe fruit, strong black tea, or certain red wines are described as astringent due to tannins that create a dry, puckering sensation in the mouth.
It is extremely rare and considered archaic. The adjective 'astringent' and noun 'astringency' are the standard modern forms.
Causing contraction of bodily tissues, especially the skin.
Astringent is usually formal, technical (medical/cosmetic/skincare), literary (criticism) in register.
Astringent: in British English it is pronounced /əˈstrɪn.dʒənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈstrɪn.dʒənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated. Often appears in descriptive phrases like 'astringent wit'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A STRINGent pull' – it tightens (like a string) your skin or pulls no punches in criticism.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARSHNESS IS A DRYING/TIGHTENING SUBSTANCE (e.g., 'His astringent comments dried up the conversation.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'astringent' LEAST likely to be used?