Ridicule
RID-ih-kyool
/ˈrɪdɪkjuːl/
(n) The subjection of someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior. (v) To subject someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior; to make fun of.
Ridicule implies making someone or something an object of scornful laughter or derision. It's often intended to diminish or humiliate.
The story behind the word. The word 'ridicule' comes from the Latin 'ridiculus', meaning 'laughable' or 'amusing'. This, in turn, derives from the verb 'ridere', meaning 'to laugh'. While its root originally meant simply 'to laugh', the English word 'ridicule' quickly acquired the darker sense of laughing at someone in a scornful or contemptuous way, rather than simply laughing with them.
Word relationships
- Mock: Mocking often involves imitation; ridicule is the broader act of making fun of with contempt.
- Derision: Derision is the feeling or expression of contemptuous ridicule; ridicule is the act or instance of it.
- Scorn: Scorn is a feeling of contempt; ridicule is the act of expressing that contempt through mockery.
- Praise: Ridicule is contemptuous criticism; praise is expression of approval.
- Respect: Ridicule shows disrespect; respect shows high regard.
- Admiration: Ridicule seeks to diminish; admiration seeks to elevate.
Word family
- ridiculous (adjective): deserving or inviting ridicule; absurd
- ridiculously (adverb): in a ridiculous manner
Collocations
- subject to ridicule
- object of ridicule
- public ridicule
- ridicule an idea
- ridicule someone's efforts
Example sentences
- "The politician became an object of public ridicule after his gaffe was widely broadcast on social media." Describing a public figure's treatment.
- "Instead of offering a counter-argument, he chose to ridicule his opponent's ideas, hoping to discredit them through laughter." Referring to a debate strategy.
Memory hook
If you 'RID-I-CULE' someone, you might 'rid' them of their 'cool' by making them look foolish. Rid of cool
When not to use
Avoid 'ridicule' for gentle teasing or playful banter. It carries a strong connotation of contempt and disrespect.
Fun facts
- The Roman playwright Plautus was known for his comedies that often featured characters who were objects of ridicule.
- Public ridicule has historically been used as a form of social control or punishment, such as in the stocks or pillory.
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