English vocabulary · C1
Deride
/dɪˈraɪd/ · v.
To deride someone is to use cruel words or laughter and make that person look foolish. The words hurt and make that person feel small.
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Example sentences
- Classmates derided his answer.
- Never deride small mistakes.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- de — down (from Latin)
- ridere — laugh (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- MOCK — make fun of (Copy To Be Cruel)
- SCORN — treat as worthless (Open Dislike)
- RIDICULE — laugh at cruelly (Make Someone Look Foolish)
Words with the same root
ridere — laugh
- ridicule — cruel laughter or words
- ridiculous — very silly or hard to believe
Lesson notes
To deride someone is to use cruel words or laughter and make that person look foolish. The words hurt and make that person feel small.
Related: mock, scorn, ridicule. Use deride when cruel laughs hurt someone.
Classmates derided his answer. Never deride small mistakes.
From Latin. De- means down. Ridere means laugh. Ridere became deride. Laugh someone down: that is to deride.