derision

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'derision' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of ridicule, contempt, or mockery from another person or group. For example, "The student showed derision when the teacher asked her a difficult question".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, also poured derision on the Republican letter in a statement expressing astonishment that members of Congress would seek to undermine a US administration by writing directly to a foreign power, and suggesting that the letter's authors had much to learn about international and even US law.

The Guardian

Each new performer will be greeted by sighs of dis may and hoots of derision, usually during the crucial bit of dialogue on which your enjoyment depends.

The Guardian

The Liberal Democrat spokesman enjoyed the best of the early exchanges, at one point using the Conservatives' scorn at Labour's magic "efficiency savings" to pour derision on the Tories' eerily similar strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her "breaking out" video was met with derision and a couple of concerned blogposts in some quarters, but still largely ignored.

The Guardian - Opinion

When an analysis of a Guardian/ICM poll suggested last Christmas that Scottish Labour could be reduced to just three MPs, the reaction was derision.

The Guardian - Opinion

"For younger people," says Ryan. "Oh that's ok," snorts Biden in derision.

The Guardian

Australians snorting with derision every time they hear a Labor colleague swear allegiance to the leader.

The Guardian

At every turn the campaign to get breasts off the breakfast table has faced opposition and derision.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the main targets of their fury and derision are the Liberal Democrats.

The Guardian

CooperCity analyst Louise Cooper suggested big investors had decided to express derision following a recent showdown over a bonus scheme that could have handed Ashley £72m of free shares.

The Guardian - Business

The government's more recent attempt to announce clearly unattainable carbon-emission targets – and its subsequent U-turn inspired derision on both the right and left.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "derision" to specifically convey a sense of scornful mockery or contempt. It implies a stronger and more overt expression of disapproval than simple disagreement.

Common error

Avoid using "derision" when simply expressing a difference of opinion. "Derision" implies a contemptuous and mocking attitude, not just a lack of agreement.

Linguistic Context

The noun "derision" functions as the object of a verb or the subject complemented by a verb, indicating an action or state related to scornful mockery. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Opinion

25%

Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "derision" is a powerful noun used to describe the act of expressing contemptuous mockery or scorn. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news, opinion pieces, and business contexts. When using "derision", it's crucial to ensure that the context warrants the strong negative connotation associated with the word, differentiating it from simple disagreement or mild disapproval. Related terms like "mockery", "scorn", and "ridicule" can be used as alternatives, each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember that while "derision" is appropriate for formal writing, it should be employed judiciously to accurately reflect the intended sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mockery

Direct synonym, highlighting the act of ridiculing someone or something.

scorn

Emphasizes a feeling of contempt and disdain.

ridicule

Focuses on making someone or something the object of laughter.

contempt

Highlights the feeling of intense dislike and disrespect.

disdain

Suggests a feeling of superiority and rejection.

jeering

Implies loud and aggressive mocking.

sneering

Conveys a subtle, often visual, expression of contempt.

taunting

Focuses on provoking someone with mockery.

scoffing

Suggests a dismissive and contemptuous attitude.

satire

Using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices.

FAQs

How to use "derision" in a sentence?

You can use "derision" to describe the act of ridiculing someone or something, or to describe the feeling of being ridiculed. For example, "His proposal was met with "derision" by the committee."

What can I say instead of "derision"?

You can use alternatives like "mockery", "scorn", or "ridicule" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "derision" or "ridicule"?

Both ""derision"" and "ridicule" are correct, but ""derision"" often implies a stronger sense of contempt and scornful mockery, while "ridicule" simply means to make someone or something the object of laughter.

What's the difference between "derision" and "disdain"?

"Derision" involves active mockery and ridicule, whereas "disdain" is a feeling of contempt and superiority. You can have disdain without actively expressing it through derision.