When Should We Use “Derision” And How To Do It Correctly?

Surprisingly, there are many words in the English language that we are entirely oblivious of, and these are words that we will find very useful when communicating. But to use these words correctly, you need to understand everything about them clearly. So, the question of when we should use “derision” and how to do it correctly will be answered in this article.

The word “derision” functions as a noun, and it means to mock a person with vigor and so forcefully that they feel completely discredited. An example of how “derision” is used is: Although John claims to be Christian, he loves treating atheists and people of other religions with derision.

You probably wonder why you have not been using this word even though it conveys a meaning you are very familiar with. It happens to many people, but now that you have discovered the word, let us get down to learning what the word “derision” entails.

What Does The Word “Derision” Mean?

It is essential you know and have a very comprehensive knowledge of a word before using it in a sentence. When you understand the word well, the possibility of you making grammatical errors is reduced by almost ninety-five percentage. And you will communicate well and make your writing easy to understand.

For you to avoid making errors when you use the word “derision” in a sentence, we will look at the origin, meaning, and nature of the word “derision.”

So, what is the meaning of the word “derision”?

A word’s meaning is what a reader will infer when he sees the word in a sentence. It is the idea conveyed by the word when you use it in a sentence.

The word “derision” refers to a state of being ridiculed or laughed at or an object of scorn or ridicule. An example is when the spectators subjected John to derision after failing to make the three-pointer in the basketball game.

Another way to define the word “derision” is a situation where a person is considered of no value or stupid and has become an object of laughter. An example is, The whole class treated Felicia’s suggestion with derision.

You can also define the word “derision” as subjecting a person or thing to mockery or ridicule. It is treating a person with contempt which is usually manifested in a burst of mocking laughter.

It also refers to the act of deriding a person or thing, and it is when a person or thing is subjected to a state of being derided. It is making fun of a person and acting like they are worthless.

It can also be described as a strong feeling that a person is silly and not worth taking seriously. “Derision” is displayed by laughing at a person in an unkind way or making unkind and derogatory remarks. An example is a rich person will always treat the advice of a poor person with derision.

An alternate meaning of the word “derision” is when a person feels deep hatred. A clear example of this is the feeling enemies, including street gangs, politicians, and opposing parties, have for each other.

The word “derision” can also refer to the act of treating a person or a thing with disdain, contempt, and disrespect.

The nature of a word, on the other hand, refers to the form the word “derision” takes in a sentence, and this is determined by the part of speech it is categorized under.

Knowing these two, the meaning and nature of a word will make you know how to use any word in a sentence.

So, now, what is the nature of the word “derision”?

The word “derision” is a noun. In turn, when you use it within a sentence, it functions as a naming word. Also, it acts as either the subject or object of the sentence and identifies someone or something.

We will examine the origin of the word “derision.”

The origin of the word “derision” can be traced to an Old French word “derision” (meaning mockery or derision). This is from the Latin word “dērīsiōnem,” the accusative form of “dērīsiō,” from the Italian word “dērīdēre” (which means to laugh at, to mock, or to deride). This is also from the Latin word “dērīdeō.”

Synonyms and Antonyms of the Word “Derision”

When we talk about the synonyms of the word “derision,” we refer to words that have a similar meaning to the word “derision.”

So, what are the synonyms of the word “derision”?

• Mockery
• Jeering
• Scoffing
• Contempt
• Teasing
• Scorn
• Ridicule
• Jest
• Laughingstock
• Disdain
• Disparagement
• Taunt
• Sneering
• Denigration
• Raillery

Below are some examples that show how to use the synonyms of the word “derision” as an alternative in a sentence.

Examples with “Derision”

1. The president will lose in the forthcoming election; many people saw how he treated the disabled reporter with derision.
2. The name Christian was given by the Romans in the city of Antioch, who saw them behave like Jesus Christ, whom they treated with derision.
3. No matter the excuse is given, a reporter whose story is discovered to be false or inaccurate will earn public derision.

Examples with the synonyms of “Derision”

1. The president will lose in the forthcoming election; many people saw how he treated the disabled reporter with contempt.
2. The name Christian was given by the Romans in the city of Antioch, who saw them behave like Jesus Christ, whom they treated with disdain.
3. No matter the excuse given, a reporter whose story is discovered to be false or inaccurate will earn public scorn.

On the other hand, the antonyms of the word “derision” refer to words with an opposite meaning to the word “derision.”

• Commendation
• Flattery
• Praise
• Approval
• Compliment
• Respect
• Admiration
• Applause
• Accolade
• Appreciation
• Reverence
• Honor
• Adulation
• Adore
• Esteem

Examples with the antonyms of “Derision”

1. Jonas tried to persuade his boss that he was due for a raise by complimenting his outfits and using other forms of flattery.
2. Many national leaders are treated with reverence outside their country, while their countrymen treat them with derision.
3. Many of the adulation received by wealthy men are from people who are only interested in receiving money and other material things.
4. Only teachers who excel in their job should receive accolades, but the reverse is the case in most schools.
5. It is common for sons to desire their fathers’ approval, and they try to earn their admiration and respect.

How To Properly Use “Derision” In A Sentence

The word “derision” is used to portray the act of mockery, ridicule, or deriding, especially in a way that is insulting and disrespectful. It is the act of laughing at someone or something in a way that ridicules them.

Another way to use the word “derision” is to describe when a person views or treats a person that makes them look silly or stupid. It is when a person is treated with disdain.

The word “derision” means more than just making fun of a person, and it is when a person is being mocked, treated scornfully, and without regard or respect.

It would help if you did not mix up the words “derision” and “decision,” many people use these words interchangeably, and it is wrong. While they are very similar in pronunciation and spelling, they have different meanings.

Some of the prepositions you can use with the word “derision” include: “derision to,” “with derision,” “derision on,” “derision at,” and “derision for.”

Illustrative Examples on how to use the word “Derision”

Here are some examples that will simplify all the explanations above to use the word “derision” correctly when writing.

1. Kendrick Lamar and J Cole have been in the music industry for over a decade, and they have endured all kinds of public scorn and derision during that period.
2. The Fast and Furious sequel has received lots of critical derision, and it will continue as long as the sequel is still ongoing.
3. One of the contestants in the competition concluded his opponent was laughing in derision at his efforts; meanwhile, he laughed at the expected outcome of his performance.
4. It was almost impossible to mistake the derision on her face for anger as her pink mouth thinned into a cutting smile.
5. Many people are ignorant of the difference between sarcasm and derision, so the latter is treated lightly.
6. It is a tradition that the local game’s losers be treated with derision, which is the price for losing.
7. The crowd replaced the leers of derision with glances of envy, but Dave had learned to ignore them as he had always done.
8. The politician was drowned out in the storm of derision, with cries and shouts ringing everywhere.
9. Sarah wore native attire to the office last Friday, and it provoked the derision of the entire company staff.

Final Thoughts

You might have had all the misconceptions and confusions when using the word “derision” when writing has been cleared up in this article.

So, read up and learn how to write correctly.