https://www.gregmat.com/problems/verbal?problem=as-a-boss-julia-is-unfailingly
Hi Greg,
Can you tell me why did you reject Trenchant by saying that it is not a negative word. It means caustic,sharp, mordant etc.
Is caustic not negative? how are you saying it as a positive word. Can you explain this in a little detail.
Both words mean sharp but trenchant is sharp because it is “intellectually” precise or cutting. It cuts through confusion to reveal the truth, that is why it has neutral or positive effects. Think of “trenchant remarks or analysis” for example. Caustic is also sharp, however, because it is emotionally cutting, it’s sharpness hurts or is painful, that is why it leaves a negative effect.
Hence, if you say “trenchant remarks”, it has neutral or positive meaning, unlike “caustic remarks”