Meaning & use
astringent
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Meanings
adjectivecomparable
Causing skin or tissue to tighten or contract.
Grammar: Can be used before a noun or after a linking verb: 'an astringent lotion' / 'the lotion feels astringent'.
Patterns
- astringent cream
- astringent effect
- feel astringent
This astringent toner helps close pores after cleansing.
The astringent properties of witch hazel can soothe minor skin irritation.
adjectivecomparable
Harsh, severe, or sharply critical in tone or manner.
Grammar: Often describes remarks, criticism, or writing; can be used before a noun or after a linking verb.
Patterns
- astringent criticism
- astringent remark
- astringent tone
Her astringent review of the novel left the author speechless.
He was known for his astringent wit, which could offend as easily as amuse.
nouncountable
A liquid skincare product that tightens pores and removes oil from the skin.
Grammar: Countable; can be used with 'a' or in the plural: 'apply an astringent', 'buy astringents'.
Patterns
- apply an astringent
- use an astringent
- a bottle of astringent
After washing your face, apply a gentle astringent to remove excess oil.
She uses an astringent every morning to keep her skin clear.
Word forms
| comparative | more astringent |
|---|---|
| superlative | most astringent |
| plural | astringents |
Common combinations
- astringent taste
- The unripe persimmon has a sharply astringent taste that dries the mouth.
- astringent criticism
- The proposal drew astringent criticism from both sides.
- astringent lotion
- He applied an astringent lotion to reduce the oily shine on his forehead.
- astringent remark
- Her astringent remark about his lateness silenced the room.
Synonyms and how they differ
- caustic
- Caustic is stronger and more sarcastic than astringent; it suggests burning or corrosive language.
- toner
- Toner is a more common everyday word for a skincare liquid that tightens pores, while astringent is the technical term.
Opposites
Word family
- astringency noun
- The quality of being astringent, either in taste or in tone.
- astringently adverb
- In a harsh or sharp manner.
Commonly confused: astringent or stringent?
astringent vs stringent
Stringent means strict or severe, often about rules or conditions, while astringent refers to a tightening effect or harsh taste/tone.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'astringent' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Astringent as an adjective describes something that tightens skin or tissue, so it fits with 'tighten her pores'. The second option contradicts the meaning; the third and fourth use astringent as a verb, which it is not.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “astringent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.