derisively
gb/dɚˈaɪsɪvli/ us/dɚˈaɪsɪvli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
in a mocking, scornful way
in a way that makes fun of someone or shows you do not respect them
Usage pattern:
[say/speak/remark/laugh/smile] derisively (at/about [someone/something])
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use the adjective *derisive* instead of the adverb (*derisively*), e.g., *He spoke derisive* (incorrect) → *He spoke derisively*.
Synonyms
mockingly (Emphasizes making fun of someone.)
|
scornfully (Emphasizes strong disrespect or contempt.)
|
contemptuously (Stronger and more openly hostile in tone.)
|
sneeringly (Suggests an unpleasant facial expression or tone.)
Antonyms
respectfully (Shows respect rather than contempt.)
|
admiringly (Shows approval or admiration rather than ridicule.)
|
sincerely (Not mocking; genuine in attitude.)
Collocations
laugh derisively
|smile derisively
|snort derisively
|remark derisively
|speak derisively
|comment derisively
|look derisively at
|dismiss derisively
|say derisively
|gesture derisively
Themes
emotions
|communication
|social_relations
Examples
- When she suggested a compromise, he laughed derisively and walked out.
- The critic spoke derisively about the film’s dialogue.
- He looked derisively at my old phone and said it belonged in a museum.
Learner examples
- He smiled derisively at her idea.
- They spoke derisively about his accent.
Grammar
Dictionary form
derisively
IPA
GB/dɚˈaɪsɪvli/
US/dɚˈaɪsɪvli/
Syllables & stress
de - ris - ively (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (de)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: derisively
- Plural: derisivelies
Word family
Expressions
laugh derisively
1/lˈæf dɚˈaɪsɪvli/
fixed phrase
laugh in a mocking way
to laugh to show you think something is stupid
Examples
- A few students laughed derisively when he mispronounced the word.
- She laughed derisively at the suggestion that she should apologize.
smile derisively
1/smˈaɪl dɚˈaɪsɪvli/
fixed phrase
smile with contempt
to smile to show you are mocking someone
Examples
- He smiled derisively at the idea that the team could win.
- She smiled derisively and asked if I really believed that story.
snort derisively
1/snˈɔɹt dɚˈaɪsɪvli/
fixed phrase
make a mocking snort
to make a short nose sound to show you think something is silly
Examples
- He snorted derisively at the price and put the item back.
- She snorted derisively when he called himself an expert.
speak derisively about
1/spˈik dɚˈaɪsɪvli əbˈaʊt/
fixed phrase
talk with ridicule about
to talk about someone in a mocking way
Examples
- He spoke derisively about the neighborhood where he grew up.
- They spoke derisively about her qualifications, even though she was highly trained.