in mockery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in mockery" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing something that is done in a mocking or mocking-like manner. For example: "He laughed in mockery at my misfortune."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

In front of their biggest attendance of the season – as Rangers fans will note – there was a glee to Motherwell's celebrations that took in mockery of the former Glasgow giants.

Independent

In mockery, Rickman can be lethal.

The New Yorker

They excel in mockery of state authority.

The Guardian - Travel

We traffic in mockery, says Yeats.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mistress America looks like an exercise in mockery.

The Guardian - Film

In those days one could use the phrase without people turning away in mockery or disgust.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Known for his sarcasm and wit, Gervais was unrelenting in his mockery, delighting in taking on stars like as Robert Downey Jr., John Travolta, Tom Cruise and Charlie Sheen.

Huffington Post

Humour itself may distort reality crudely, as in slapstick, or corrosively, as in the mockery of a stand-up comic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This work might project elegiac feelings, but in the context of a show in which mockery is the prevailing spirit, it's potentially offensive.

The New York Times - Arts

Wearing the same outfit two consecutive days in a row is not condoned by civilized society and will result in merciless mockery.

The Washington Post

Efforts to calm the uproar came in for mockery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in mockery" to clearly indicate that an action or statement is intended to ridicule or make fun of something. Ensure the context supports this intention.

Common error

Avoid using "in mockery" when the intention is merely sarcastic or ironic without the explicit aim to ridicule. Sarcasm can be a subtle form of wit, while mockery is more directly derisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in mockery" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that the action is done with the intention to ridicule or make fun of something. Ludwig AI identifies its correct usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in mockery" is a prepositional phrase used to describe actions performed with the intent to ridicule or show contempt. Grammatically sound and widely used, as affirmed by Ludwig, it commonly appears in neutral to formal contexts such as news articles and academic papers. Its purpose is to express derision or undermine the target. When using this phrase, be mindful of its negative connotation and ensure it accurately reflects the intended tone, distinguishing it from related concepts like sarcasm. Common alternative are: "with derision", "sarcastically", or "with ridicule".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with derision

Uses a synonym of "mockery" to express the same concept.

with ridicule

Uses a direct synonym to convey the act of making fun of someone or something.

in a mocking manner

Rephrases the original phrase with a more descriptive and explicit tone.

in contempt

Highlights the feeling of disdain and disrespect underlying the act of mockery.

derisively

Expresses the same idea with an adverb, focusing on the manner in which something is done.

scornfully

Conveys contempt and disdain, similar to mockery but with a stronger negative emotion.

sarcastically

Implies the use of irony to mock, a subtle yet effective form of derision.

with irony

Highlights the use of irony as a tool for mockery, implying a subtle form of derision.

to make fun of

An informal and straightforward way to express the action of mocking.

to laugh at

Simplifies the expression to the act of laughing at someone's expense.

FAQs

How can I use "in mockery" in a sentence?

You can use "in mockery" to describe an action or statement intended to ridicule someone or something. For example, "He bowed "in mockery" of the king's pompous manner."

What phrases are similar to "in mockery"?

Similar phrases include "with derision", "sarcastically", or "with ridicule". Each conveys a slightly different nuance of ridicule or contempt.

Is it always negative to use something "in mockery"?

Yes, the phrase "in mockery" always carries a negative connotation, indicating that something is being done to ridicule or show contempt for someone or something.

What is the difference between "in mockery" and "in jest"?

"In mockery" implies ridicule or contempt, while "in jest" means something is done as a joke or in a playful manner without the intention to harm or offend.