laughing derisively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laughing derisively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone laughing in a mocking or scornful manner, often in response to something they find ridiculous or contemptible. Example: "When he heard the absurd suggestion, he couldn't help but start laughing derisively, making it clear he thought it was a terrible idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

New Yorkers who have been doused with bus exhaust in our narrow canyons may already be laughing derisively.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't see any of the television pundits sending their guests off to separate corners when they misbehave on national television - snarling at each other, denigrating each other's ideas, smirking and shaking their heads, rolling their eyes and laughing derisively.

Huffington Post

You know, the evil demons who make it their business to mistreat, abuse, overwork and under-appreciate the efforts put forth by the loyal minions who toil endlessly so "The Man" can continue to ride around in his stretch limo and eat caviar and drink French wine at expensive restaurants while laughing derisively at the trolls way, way down the food chain.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Zach laughed derisively.

The New York Times

Then the emir muttered something and laughed derisively.

The Guardian

Oh — Sweden and the E.U.!" Peiris laughed derisively, and said, "There is no serious international pressure".

The New Yorker

Joshua Stein, restaurant reviewer Ask a New Yorker for the "best burger" and they are liable to laugh derisively.

The Guardian - Travel

When the Polish scientist Marie Curie announced that she had discovered a new element called radium, they laughed derisively.

The New Yorker

(The Carter clip is from the so-called "malaise" speech; to my chagrin, a few older members of the multiplex audience laughed derisively).

The New Yorker

As a sophisticated adolescent at the dawn of the grunge era, I of course laughed derisively at this ancient relic of the mid-eighties.

The New Yorker

On asking her husband what she should do the last time she discovered she was pregnant in 2013 he had "laughed derisively", Wagler said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laughing derisively" to clearly convey a sense of mockery or contempt in someone's laughter. This phrase is effective when you want to emphasize the negative or scornful nature of the laughter.

Common error

Avoid using "laughing derisively" when the situation calls for a lighter or less scornful form of laughter. The phrase carries a strong connotation of contempt, so ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laughing derisively" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle verb ("laughing") modified by an adverb ("derisively"). Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its use to describe the act of laughing with scorn or contempt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laughing derisively" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe laughter filled with scorn and contempt. Ludwig confirms its validity and highlights its prevalence in news and media contexts. While not an extremely common phrase, its meaning is clear and impactful when used appropriately. Be mindful of the strong negative connotation and choose this phrase when you intend to emphasize the mockery or disdain behind the laughter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scoffing with laughter

Replaces "derisively" with "scoffing," emphasizing disdain through laughter.

mocking laughter

Uses "mocking" to highlight the ridicule conveyed by the laughter.

laughing scornfully

Substitutes "derisively" with "scornfully," directly indicating contempt.

sneering laughter

Implies a more subtle, contemptuous laugh through the word "sneering".

chortling contemptuously

Replaces laughing with the more specific term "chortling", while adding the adverb "contemptuously".

guffawing derisively

Replaces laughing with the louder and possibly rude form of "guffawing".

snorting with derision

Replaces laughing with "snorting", indicating a more abrupt and less amused reaction.

chuckling mockingly

Replaces laughing with "chuckling" implying a quiet mocking laugh.

smiling condescendingly

Shifts from laughter to a "condescending" smile, conveying superiority.

scowling with amusement

Combines a negative facial expression with amusement to imply sarcasm.

FAQs

How can I use "laughing derisively" in a sentence?

You can use "laughing derisively" to describe someone who is laughing in a scornful or mocking manner. For example, "Upon hearing the ridiculous proposal, he started "laughing derisively", making it clear he thought it was a joke".

What's the difference between "laughing derisively" and "laughing mockingly"?

"Laughing derisively" implies a stronger sense of scorn and contempt, while "laughing mockingly" suggests a more playful or teasing form of ridicule. The former is more severe.

What are some alternative phrases for "laughing derisively"?

Alternatives include "scoffing with laughter", "laughing scornfully", or "sneering laughter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "laughing derisively" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "laughing derisively" is appropriate for formal writing as long as the context calls for a description of scornful laughter. However, be mindful of the tone and ensure it aligns with the overall purpose of your writing.