derision
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
Contemptuous ridicule or mockery.
The feeling of, or expression of, scornful, dismissive laughter or mockery directed at someone or something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically implies a public, collective, or widespread act of mockery that aims to belittle and shame its target. It suggests a stronger, more active form of contempt than mere dislike.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used with the same sense and in similar registers in both dialects.
Connotations
Same connotations of public scorn and ridicule.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British writing due to stylistic preferences for formal vocabulary, but the difference is minimal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb + with + derision] (shout, greet, respond)[Verb + of + derision] (howls, shouts)[Subject + to + derision] (subject, expose, leave)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hold someone/something up to derision”
- “an object of derision”
- “a figure of derision”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in commentary about a failed product launch being met with market derision.
Academic
Common in literary criticism, history, and social sciences to describe societal reactions to ideas or figures.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. Used in more formal discussions or news reports.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The press proceeded to deride the minister's clumsy explanation.
- He was derided for his old-fashioned views.
American English
- Critics derided the film as shallow and poorly made.
- The proposal was widely derided in the media.
adverb
British English
- He laughed derisively at the suggestion.
- She waved her hand derisively.
American English
- The crowd cheered derisively when the opponent fumbled.
- He dismissed the idea derisively.
adjective
British English
- He gave a derisive snort in response.
- Her derisive comments were widely reported.
American English
- The audience responded with derisive laughter.
- She shot him a derisive look.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His strange hat was met with derision from the other children.
- She felt a lot of derision from her classmates when she failed the test.
- The government's new policy was greeted with howls of derision from the opposition.
- His attempt to sing on stage turned him into an object of derision.
- The scholar's unconventional theory exposed him to widespread derision from his more conservative peers.
- Rather than engaging with the argument, he responded with pure derision, undermining any chance of constructive debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DE-ride' (to mock) + '-sion' (noun form) = DERISION. It is the *act* or *result* of deriding someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTEMPT IS A WEAPON ('attack with derision'), CONTEMPT IS A FORCE ('wave of derision'), BEING RIDICULED IS BEING EXPOSED ('held up to derision').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'насмешка' (more like 'teasing/joke') or 'издевательство' (more like 'bullying/torment'). 'Derision' implies scornful, superior mockery, closer to 'глумление' or 'насмешка с презрением'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'derision' (confusion with 'decision').
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'deride').
- Using it to mean simple disagreement rather than scornful mockery.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the CLOSEST in meaning to 'derision'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Derision' often implies a sharper, more contemptuous, and scornful tone than the more general 'ridicule'. 'Derision' suggests the mocker feels superior.
No, by definition, derision is negative. It is an expression of contempt and scorn, intended to belittle.
The verb is 'to deride'. Example: 'He was derided for his mistakes.'
No, it is considered a formal word. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say 'mockery', 'made fun of', or 'laughed at'.