met with derision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "met with derision" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when something is harshly criticized or mocked. For example: His decision to wear a garish outfit to the party was met with derision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The letter was met with derision.

The New Yorker

It was met with derision.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was met with derision immediately.

The Guardian - Film

These suggestions were met with derision.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the appointment was met with derision in some quarters.

The Guardian

Such an approach was initially met with derision by politicians.

The Guardian - Opinion

The appointment was met with derision in some quarters.

The Guardian

Gaddafi's remarks were met with derision in Washington.

The Guardian

AOL's latest plans have met with derision: repackaged news and entertainment remains a hard sell.

The Economist

Such comments were met with derision from the soldiers of the 128th brigade.

Independent

A banal statement that all banks are fine would be met with derision.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "met with derision" to clearly indicate a strong, negative reaction characterized by mockery and contempt. It's effective when highlighting the severity of disapproval or the unexpected nature of the response.

Common error

Avoid using "met with derision" when the reaction is merely disagreement or constructive criticism. Derision implies a level of mockery and contempt that goes beyond simple disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "met with derision" functions as a predicate describing the reaction to a specific action, statement, or proposal. It indicates a strong, negative response characterized by mockery and contempt. Ludwig examples confirm its use to highlight severe disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "met with derision" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations where something faces strong, mocking criticism. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to formal analyses. While similar phrases exist, such as "greeted with ridicule" or "met with scorn", "met with derision" specifically emphasizes contempt and mockery. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation warrants such a strong negative connotation, and avoid confusing it with simple disagreement. Its frequent appearance in reputable news sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Washington Post underscores its widespread acceptance and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greeted with ridicule

Replaces "derision" with a more general term for mockery.

met with scorn

Emphasizes contempt and disdain in the reaction.

faced mockery

Highlights the act of being mocked directly.

was ridiculed

A more direct and active phrasing.

encountered disbelief

Shifts the focus to a lack of belief, a form of negative reception.

met with disapproval

Indicates a formal or official rejection.

was greeted with skepticism

Highlights doubt and questioning as the primary reaction.

met with a dismissive response

Focuses on the act of being disregarded or ignored.

was laughed at

A simple and direct way to express derision through laughter.

met with a hostile reception

Indicates an unfriendly and antagonistic response.

FAQs

How can I use "met with derision" in a sentence?

Use "met with derision" to describe a situation where something was harshly criticized or mocked, for example, "The suggestion was "met with derision" by the board members".

What are some alternatives to "met with derision"?

You can use phrases like "greeted with ridicule", "met with scorn", or "faced mockery" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "met with derision" in formal writing?

Yes, "met with derision" is suitable for formal writing when you need to express strong disapproval or mockery. However, consider the tone of your writing and ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What's the difference between "met with derision" and "met with skepticism"?

"Met with derision" implies mockery and contempt, while "met with skepticism" suggests doubt or questioning. The former is a stronger, more negative reaction than the latter.