derision
dih-RIZH-un
/dɪˈrɪʒən/
Contemptuous ridicule or mockery.
Derision is more aggressive than simple joking; it is mockery intended to show that someone is worthless or stupid.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'deridere,' which literally means 'to laugh down at' someone. It captures the image of someone standing above another, laughing at them to make them feel small.
Word relationships
- ridicule: Ridicule is the act of making fun of someone; derision is the state of being mocked with contempt.
- scorn: Scorn is the feeling that someone is worthless; derision is the vocal expression of that feeling.
- admiration: Admiration is a feeling of respect and approval.
- respect: Respect is due regard for the feelings or rights of others.
Commonly confused with
- decision: A decision is a choice; derision is mockery.
Word family
- deride (verb): to express contempt for; to ridicule
- derisive (adjective): expressing contempt or ridicule
Collocations
- object of derision
- howl of derision
- scorn and derision
Example sentences
- "The politician's proposal was met with shouts of derision from the crowd." A failed performance.
- "His theory was once a subject of derision among his peers, but now it is standard text." A scientific breakthrough that was initially rejected.
Memory hook
DERISION is like a DE-meaning ver-SION of the truth. Laughing down at.
When not to use
Do not use for lighthearted teasing; derision is mean-spirited.
Fun facts
- The root 'ridere' also gives us 'ridiculous' and 'risible' (laughable).
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.