English vocabulary · C1
Derision
/dɪˈrɪʒ.ən/ · n.
It means cruel laughter or scorn directed at someone. When people laugh at you to make you feel small, that is derision.
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Example sentences
- The crowd met his speech with open derision.
- She faced derision for trying something new.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- de — completely (from Latin)
- rid — laugh (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- MOCKERY — copying to make fun (Imitating to Humiliate)
- SCORN — deep disrespect or contempt (Cold & Superior)
- RIDICULE — laughing at someone openly (Public & Repeated)
Words with the same root
rid — laugh
- ridiculous — so strange it makes people laugh
- ridicule — making fun of someone cruelly
- deride — to laugh at someone with scorn
Lesson notes
Derision. It means cruel laughter or scorn directed at someone. When people laugh at you to make you feel small, that is derision.
Similar words are mockery, scorn, and ridicule. Use derision when the laughter is meant to hurt someone.
The crowd met his speech with open derision. She faced derision for trying something new.
From Latin. de- means completely. rid- means laugh. Laughing completely at someone to put them down — that is derision.