mock
B1/B2Common in both informal/colloquial (as verb/noun) and formal (as adjective, e.g., 'mock trial', 'mock-up') contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To laugh at or make fun of someone or something by copying or imitating in a way that is cruel or disrespectful; to ridicule.
Also refers to something that is not real or genuine, but is an imitation (e.g., a mock exam), or to treat something with contempt or defiance (e.g., to mock authority).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word encompasses both the action of ridiculing and the quality of being an imitation. It can be playful or cruel, depending on context. As an adjective, it is often neutral and descriptive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. British English may use 'mock' slightly more frequently in educational contexts (e.g., 'mock GCSEs'). The adjective 'mock' (as in imitation) is equally common in both.
Connotations
Identical connotations of ridicule or imitation in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both varieties with no significant divergence.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
verb + object (He mocked his friend.)verb + at + object (archaic/formal: They mocked at his fears.)be + adjective + noun (It was a mock battle.)adjective + noun (She took a mock exam.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mock turtle soup”
- “make a mockery of (to make something seem ridiculous or ineffective)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in 'mock interviews' for job preparation or 'mock negotiations' for training.
Academic
Common in 'mock exams', 'mock tests', 'mock trials' (law/political science), and literary analysis of characters who mock others.
Everyday
Used to describe teasing among friends or family ('Stop mocking my accent!') or imitation items ('mock leather').
Technical
In design/engineering: 'mock-up' (a scale model). In software: 'mock object' (a simulated object for testing).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The older pupils would often mock his regional accent.
- She mocked his attempt at cooking a full English breakfast.
American English
- The critics mocked the proposal as unrealistic.
- He mocked the way she said 'soccer' instead of 'football'.
adverb
British English
- 'Oh, brilliant,' he said mock-seriously, holding back a laugh.
- She sighed mock-sadly when her team lost.
American English
- 'What a surprise,' she added mock-innocently.
- He bowed mock-formally before leaving the room.
adjective
British English
- We have a mock history GCSE next week.
- The sofa was covered in a pleasant mock suede.
American English
- The class held a mock presidential debate.
- She wore a necklace with mock pearls.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children mocked the funny-looking dog.
- This is not real leather; it's mock leather.
- It's unkind to mock someone for their mistakes.
- We did a mock test before the real exam.
- The satirical show mocks political figures every week.
- The mock-up of the new building looked very impressive.
- His pious attitude was merely a mock display of virtue.
- The treaty was seen as a mockery, making a mock of international law.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOCKingbird, which imitates the calls of other birds. 'Mock' involves imitation, often to make fun.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTEMPT IS MOCKERY (She treated his idea with mockery); PREPARATION IS A SIMULATION (MOCK-UP, MOCK EXAM).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'мак' (poppy) – a false cognate.
- Do not confuse with 'поддельный' (counterfeit) for all contexts; 'mock' as an adjective often implies a benign or useful imitation, not fraud (e.g., mock exam).
- The verb 'to mock' (насмехаться) is stronger than gentle teasing (дразнить).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'She did a mock of him.' (Use: 'She mocked him.')
- Incorrect: 'It's a mock real leather.' (Use: 'It's mock leather.')
- Confusing 'mock' (imitation) with 'fake' (often implying deception).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'mock' used as an ADJECTIVE?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a verb, it usually implies ridicule (negative). As an adjective (mock exam, mock-up), it is neutral, meaning 'simulated for practice or display'.
'Mock' is generally more cruel, contemptuous, and focused on ridicule. 'Tease' is often lighter, more playful, and can be affectionate. Mocking damages dignity more than teasing.
Yes, though less common. It means an act of mocking or something made as an imitation (e.g., 'The new building is a mock of classical architecture'). The more common noun is 'mockery'.
It is an idiom meaning to make something seem ridiculous or to treat something so badly that it loses all respect or value. E.g., 'The corrupt judge made a mockery of the justice system.'