Definition

Adjective: 1. Expressing contempt or ridicule; mocking: Used to describe a person, their tone, expression, or action that shows scorn by treating someone or something as ridiculous, foolish, or not worthy of respect.

Usage

The word "derisive" is used to characterize speech, sounds, looks, or behavior that is openly scornful and intended to mock. It often implies a sense of superiority from the person being derisive.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • His derisive comments about her proposal hurt her feelings.
  • The crowd responded with derisive laughter when the politician made an obvious mistake.
  • She gave a derisive snort, dismissing the idea as nonsense.

Advanced Usage

• "derisive of": Showing contempt or ridicule towards a specific person or thing.
  • He was openly derisive of their old-fashioned methods.
• In a literary or formal context: Often used to describe a tone or atmosphere of scorn.
  • The article was filled with a derisive tone that undermined its subject.

Variants and Related Words

• Derisively (adverb): In a mocking and scornful manner.
  • He laughed derisively at the suggestion.
• Derision (noun): Contemptuous ridicule or mockery.
  • Her suggestion was met with derision from the committee.

Synonyms

• Mocking: Making fun of someone or something in a cruel way.
• Scoffing: Expressing scorn or derision, often verbally.
• Contemptuous: Showing a lack of respect; scornful.
• Jeering: Making rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice.
• Sardonic: Grimly mocking or cynical, often with a bitter edge.

Antonyms

• Respectful: Showing admiration or deference.
• Admiring: Regarding with warm approval or respect.
• Appreciative: Feeling or showing gratitude or pleasure.
• Praising: Expressing warm approval or admiration.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To be an object of derision: To be widely mocked and scorned.
  • After the failed product launch, the company became an object of derision in the industry.
• To hold in derision: To regard or treat with contempt and mockery.
  • The traditionalists held the new theories in derision.

Adjective

1. abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule
   • derisive laughter
   • a jeering crowd
   • her mocking smile
   • taunting shouts of `coward' and `sissy'