Learning new words is incredibly rewarding if you put your mind and effort into it. With English being the most spoken language in the world, it would be wise to learn new English words like “derision.” Ready to know about the derision definition, meaning, and usage?
Derision means treating someone with contempt. Use this term to allude to ridicule or a state of being laughed at. It also shows contempt or being derided. In most sentences, the word shows literal laughter at another person’s expense or simply treating someone like a joke.
Learning new words helps you acquire a new language or enhance your vocabulary in a language you already know. Adding the word “derision” to your vocabulary will be fulfilling. Read on to discuss the definition, meaning, history, pronunciation, and other basics of “derision.”
What is the Definition of Derision?
Derision means making fun of someone. It can include making a funny laugh towards someone or provoking them with some teasing statements. In this definition, you don’t necessarily have to use the word negatively.
Below are some examples in sentences:
- Cole is an incredible artist, and his public derision toward other artists makes him always relevant.
- The show is full of funny derision against the two brothers.
- Their constant derision almost made her believe that there was a feeling of hate.
What is the Meaning of Derision?
Another meaning of derision is ridiculing or mocking someone. Use the word to describe contemptuous laughter or making someone an object of scorn. In this case, the term is usually ill-intended and can be hurtful, humiliating, and damaging to the recipient.
Here are some sentence examples:
- President Biden’s response to the school shootings caused him a lot of countrywide derision.
- The public has expressed derision towards anti-vaxxers.
- She earned so much respect for standing by her husband despite the derision he endured.
- Her passion and dedication to her religion have earned her tremendous derision.
Synonyms and Antonyms of Derision Based on the Context
You can use the word “derision” in various contexts. Context is the facet of a situation, which is essential for people to understand unknown words and make sense of their applications. Synonyms are words or phrases with similar meanings and can be used interchangeably in a context.
On the other hand, antonyms are words or phrases with opposite meanings. Like synonyms, they can differ depending on the context. Below are some contexts where you can use the word “derision” and synonyms or antonyms that apply in each case.
Context 1: Contemptuous ridicule or mockery
Here are sentences describing the word in this context:
- We all could notice the laughter full of derision from her classmates.
- Sandra treated her step-sibling with such derision that she moved out after less than a month.
- Lost in her imagination, she did not notice the derision from her spectators.
Synonyms:
- Mockery
- Scorn
- Jeering
- Satire
- Teasing
- Scoffing
- Disdain
- Ragging
- Jibing
- Taunting
- Dig
- Insult
- Comeback
- Jab
- Slam
- Obloquy
- Denigration
- Vilification
- Contumely
Antonyms:
- Praise
- Respect
- Admiration
- Esteem
- Flattery
- Regard
- Appreciation
- Cheer
- Adoration
- Endorsement
Context 2: A person or something scorned or made fun of.
Here are sentence examples of derision in this context:
- She has always been a derision to her classmates and derision.
- Mind your words before you become a derision to the public.
- Anita’s race has made her get some derision from her neighbors.
Synonyms:
- Target
- Clown
- Butt
- Hoot
- Jest
- Buffoon
- Fool
- Joke
- Quip
- Mark
- Jestee
- Farce
- Disgrace
- Embarrassment
- Plaything
Antonyms:
- Microaggression
- Civil rights
- Equality
- Tolerance
Context 3: A disrespectful or abusive remark that can discredit or harm someone
Sentence examples for derision in this context:
- Her blatant derision from her colleagues caused her to quit her work.
- She quit working for the firm because of the constant derision from fellow workers.
- Constant derision can be harmful to your mental wellbeing.
Synonyms:
- Insult
- Slight
- Affront
- Slur
- Barb
- Dig
- Indignity
- Outrage
- Cut
- Slap
- Snub
- Gird
- Dart
- Poke
- Disparagement
- Aspersion
- Slander
- Taunt
- Slander
- Defamation
- Mockery
- Insolence
- Aspersions
- Discourtesy
Antonyms:
- Defense
- Argument
- Rationalization
- Response
- Rebuttal
- Premise
- Alibi
- Submission
- Vindication
Context 3: An instance of fierce public criticism or opposition.
Here are some sentence examples:
- The Russian leaders have experienced a lot of derision from the American public.
- The Prime Minister’s scandal has earned him a lot of derision.
- He became derision for his constant rants on social media.
Synonyms:
- Attack
- Criticism
- Admonishment
- Admonition
- Rebuke
- Castigation
- Bashing
- Invective
- Malevolence
- Slating
- Argument
- Contumely
- Fulmination
- Libel
- Tirade
- Slander
Antonyms:
- Reasoning
- Rebuttal
- Alibi
- Excuse
Context 4: A playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks
Examples in sentences:
- There is nothing wrong with friendly derision.
- Derision among friends can be fun yet disrespectful.
- The derision makes their friendship look weird.
Synonyms:
- Banter
- Jesting
- Joking
- Badinage
- Kidding
- Ribbing
- Crosstalk
- Mockery
- Quipping
- Teasing
- Pleasantry
- Witticism
How to Use Derision in a Sentence
You can use derision in a sentence as a noun for ridicule or contempt.
Learning and using new words should not be about confusing people with obscure vocabulary. It also should not be a tool of manipulation or showing off. It should be about expressing yourself more clearly or enhancing your vocabulary.
You can achieve this by studying the new words in-depth. For instance, learning their multiple meanings, synonyms, and antonyms. This information will help you construct sentences easily. It will also help you make the sentences understandable instead of writing a collection of obscure words.
Understanding how to use the word in various contexts also helps. For instance, derision is about more than ridiculing or scorning someone. It can include harmful remarks or contemptuous laughter. However, you can use it in another context to describe friendly banter or witty yet friendly insults.
10 Examples of Derision in a Sentence
Now that you understand the meanings of derision and contexts where you can apply them, it is now easy to use the word in sentences. The sentences in this section use the word to inspire you so that you can create your example sentences with this word.
- After many years, Alice learned to treat their threats as derision.
- My mother would have never stood by as the derision went on.
- Clark snorted in derision from listening to their banter.
- After his association with the Middle Eastern business people, the president has been subjected to too much derision.
- Most of the derision he has received has been from people that hate her brothers.
- Her employers were not the nicest people; they often subjected her to derision.
- Their friendly derision does not come from a place of hate.
- Most of the journalists at the event responded to the governor’s remarks with derision.
- Despite being one of the most talented female actors in the world, she has endured endless public derision.
- The Kardashian-Jenner family is not new or immune from public derision and scorn.
How Do You Spell Derision?
The correct spelling for this word is “D.E.R.I.S.I.O.N.”
When learning new words, it would also help to learn how to spell them correctly. This will allow you to apply it correctly when writing. Spelling derision is quite easy. Practice spelling derision by using the word in texts and emails.
How Do You Pronounce Derision?
The right pronunciation for derision is duh.ri.zhn or “\di-ˈri-zhən\.”
Learning pronunciation is often an overlooked step by most people when learning new words. Knowledge of proper word pronunciation will help you during one-on-one conversations. It will also help you be understood and taken seriously. Listen to pronunciation audios to help you master how to pronounce “derision.”
How Many Syllables Are in Derision?
The word derision has three syllables.
Derision is an eight-character word divided into three syllables; “de-ri-sion.” The stressed syllable in this word is “ri.”
History & Etymology of Derision
This word originates from the Latin word “ridere.” The word “derision” also shares its origin with other words like ridiculous and risible. All these words have Latin origins. Derision comes from the Latin word “ridere,” meaning to laugh.
The word was used for the first time in the 14th century to describe mocking laughter and scorning. This word also has a religious background; you will come across it in the Bible (Lamentations 3:14).
When was Derision First Used?
This word dates back to the 14th century. In fact, it is the first known time when the word derision appeared in the English language.
Throughout the years, it has maintained its meaning. It also has the same meaning when used in religion. You will also realize that the word has had significant use in literary contexts over the years. Derision is among the few words with little variation in meaning since inception.
Conclusion
Simply put, derision is a noun that describes a person or something subjected to scorning or ridicule. It also describes an act of bashing, mockery, teasing, satire, or contempt. This is an easy word to learn, especially because it does not have different meanings. However, it can apply in different yet quite similar contexts. Make derision your word of the day and practice using it in sentences. Please don’t be shy to share the creative sentences you create with this new word.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.