derisive
gb/dɚˈaɪsɪv/ us/dɚˈaɪsɪv/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
mocking in a cruel way
If someone is derisive, they laugh at or make fun of someone in an unkind way.
Usage pattern:
derisive [laugh/smile/remark] (at [someone/something])
Common mistake:
Do not confuse derisive (mocking) with derisory (too small or not enough, e.g., a derisory amount).
Synonyms
mocking (More general and common; not always as harsh.)
|
sneering (Often suggests a facial expression showing contempt.)
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ridiculing (Emphasizes making someone/something seem silly.)
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scornful (Focuses on contempt rather than humor.)
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taunting (Suggests provoking someone repeatedly to upset them.)
Antonyms
respectful (Shows regard rather than ridicule.)
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supportive (Encouraging rather than mocking.)
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admiring (Expresses approval rather than scorn.)
Collocations
derisive laugh
|derisive laughter
|derisive smile
|derisive snort
|derisive chuckle
|derisive remark
|derisive comment
|derisive gesture
|a derisive look
|a derisive response
Themes
communication
|emotions
|social_relations
Examples
- He gave a derisive laugh when she said she wanted to run for office.
- The crowd’s derisive comments made the speaker lose his train of thought.
- She shot him a derisive look and walked away.
Learner examples
- His tone was derisive.
- They were derisive about my idea.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
contemptuous and dismissive
Derisive can also mean showing you think something is stupid or not important.
Usage pattern:
derisive of [someone/something] | derisive about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use derisive for neutral disagreement; it is stronger and usually implies insult or contempt.
Synonyms
dismissive (May be less openly insulting than derisive.)
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contemptuous (Stresses contempt more than ridicule.)
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disparaging (Emphasizes speaking negatively to reduce value or respect.)
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deprecating (Often milder; can also be used about oneself.)
Antonyms
serious (Treats something as worth attention rather than ridicule.)
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considerate (Shows care for others’ feelings rather than contempt.)
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approving (Expresses positive judgment rather than scorn.)
Collocations
derisive of the proposal
|derisive about his qualifications
|a derisive tone
|derisive criticism
|derisive response
|derisive dismissal
|derisive attitude
|a derisive reaction
|derisive toward newcomers
|derisive about the plan
Themes
communication
|opinions
|social_relations
Examples
- Several critics were derisive of the new policy, calling it ‘fantasy economics.’
- He was derisive about her experience, as if it didn’t count.
- The idea was met with a derisive response from the committee.
Learner examples
- She was derisive of my suggestion.
Grammar
Dictionary form
derisive
IPA
GB/dɚˈaɪsɪv/
US/dɚˈaɪsɪv/
Syllables & stress
de - ris - ive (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (de)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: derisive
Word family
Core family
Related words
derisory
adjective
Expressions
derisive comment
1/dɚˈaɪsɪv kˈɑmɛnt/
fixed phrase
formal
a mocking remark
a comment that makes fun of someone
Examples
- She made a derisive comment about his accent.
- Derisive comments online quickly turned the debate ugly.
- He apologized for the derisive comment he had made earlier.
derisive laugh
1/dɚˈaɪsɪv lˈæf/
fixed phrase
formal
a mocking laugh
a laugh that shows you are mocking someone
Examples
- He let out a derisive laugh and shook his head.
- She gave a derisive laugh at the suggestion.
- A derisive laugh from the audience interrupted him.
derisive laughter
1/dɚˈaɪsɪv lˈæftɚ/
fixed phrase
formal
mocking laughter
laughter that makes fun of someone
Examples
- Derisive laughter rose from the back of the room.
- Her comment was met with derisive laughter from her classmates.
- He ignored the derisive laughter and continued speaking.