ridiculed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ridiculed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of mocking or making fun of someone or something. Example: "He was ridiculed by his peers for his unusual fashion choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Charlie ridiculed my faith and culture and I died defending his right to do so".

The Economist

They consistently ridiculed the leaflets the Israelis dropped.

The Guardian - Opinion

Every departure from what has been asserted as "proper" and "fitting" from that very specific standpoint is dismissed as aberrant, and is ridiculed and subordinated.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Age was ridiculed on Thursday on social media after publishing a photo of the comedian Nazeem Hussain to point to a story about its own columnist Waleed Aly.

The Guardian

Fox News has been criticised in the past for inaccurate reporting and ridiculed on social networks.

The Guardian

Labor has ridiculed moves by some Coalition MPs, including frontbencher Christopher Pyne, to petition the ABC to stop cuts in their electorates.

The Guardian

Scala said it could be as long as March next year before new elections are held, and although Blatter's tweet of himself pictured with pen in hand, "working hard on reforms", was ridiculed here, it showed he intends to leave having taken credit for new structures.

The Guardian - Sport

Feminism is about supporting women and this felt like it ridiculed and patronised Miley Cyrus.

The Guardian - Opinion

It argued that free school applicants might be ridiculed.

The Guardian

We await with interest the outcome of a complaint to the ABC's rural department about a Cherie von Hörchner story which ridiculed Peta for complaining that sheep had been verbally abused by shearers on the Boorungie station last year.

The Guardian

A black woman with an eating disorder may not be willing to talk about it for fear of being ridiculed for going against cultural norms.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ridiculed" when you want to express that someone or something was subjected to mockery or contemptuous laughter. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "ridiculed" in situations that require sensitivity or when describing severe forms of abuse or injustice. Instead, consider using words like "oppressed" or "exploited" to convey the gravity of the situation more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ridiculed" is as a verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of the verb 'ridicule'. It describes the action of subjecting someone or something to mockery and derision. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "ridiculed" is used to describe completed actions of mocking or making fun of someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "ridiculed" functions as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'ridicule', denoting the act of subjecting someone or something to mockery. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly within news and media contexts. While maintaining a neutral register, it effectively conveys disapproval or criticism by highlighting instances of scorn. To prevent misuse, consider the seriousness of the context and choose words like "oppressed" or "exploited" when appropriate. Related phrases like "mocked", "derided", and "scorned" offer alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mocked

Synonymous replacement; maintains a similar level of formality and impact.

derided

Implies a stronger, more contemptuous form of ridicule.

scorned

Suggests rejection and disdain, often with a sense of moral superiority.

lampooned

Indicates a humorous and satirical form of ridicule.

jeered at

Emphasizes the act of openly and loudly mocking.

poked fun at

More informal and lighthearted way of saying ridiculed.

made fun of

Similar to 'poked fun at', but can sometimes imply bullying.

taunted

Implies a persistent and provocative form of ridicule.

satirized

Focuses on using satire to expose and ridicule flaws or vices.

disparaged

Highlights the belittling and undermining aspect of ridicule.

FAQs

How can I use "ridiculed" in a sentence?

You can use "ridiculed" to indicate that someone or something was mocked or made fun of in a contemptuous way. For example, "His ideas were "ridiculed" by his colleagues."

What's the difference between "ridiculed" and "mocked"?

"Ridiculed" often implies a more severe or contemptuous form of mockery than "mocked". While both involve making fun of someone, "ridiculed" suggests a deeper level of scorn.

What are some synonyms for "ridiculed"?

Alternatives to "ridiculed" include "mocked", "derided", "scorned" and "lampooned". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "ridiculed" in formal writing?

Yes, "ridiculed" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing situations where someone's ideas or actions were subjected to mockery or contempt. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it's the most appropriate word.