kärkevämpi

Kärkevämpi is a Finnish adjective that denotes a greater degree of causticity, biting sharpness, or bluntness in tone or style. It is the comparative form of the base adjective kärkevä and is used to describe language, criticism, or statements that are more pointed or harsh than another.

Usage of kärkevämpi appears frequently in journalism, literary criticism, political discourse, and everyday conversation. It conveys not just severity but a heightened intensity of wit or sarcasm, often in evaluative contexts where tone is an important part of the message.

Morphology and grammar: As with other Finnish adjectives, kärkevä agrees with the noun in number and case. The base form is kärkevä, and the comparative form is kärkevämpi. For example, you can say kärkevä kommentti (a caustic comment) and, when comparing, kärkevämpi kommentti (a more caustic comment).

Nuance: kärkevämpi emphasizes bite and pointedness more than mere severity. It is typically used when the speaker wants to highlight a noticeably harsher or more abrasive tone rather than simply a stronger argument. Related terms include terävä (sharp), piikallinen (biting or caustic in a slightly broader sense), and kriittinen (critical).

Examples:

Finnish: Kritiikkikirjoitus oli kärkevämpi kuin aiemmat.

Translation: The critical piece was more caustic than the previous ones.

Finnish: Hänen kommenttinsa kulkivat kärkevämmällä sävyllä.

Translation: His comments carried a more caustic tone.