Meaning and usage of the word derision in English

Meaning of vocabulary derision

derisionnoun

chế nhạo

/dɪˈrɪʒn//dɪˈrɪʒn/

Origin of the word derision

The word "derision" originates from the Latin "derisio", which means " laughter" or "mockery". This Latin word is derived from "deridere", which is a combination of "de" (down) and "ridere" (to laugh). In Old French, the word became "decrie", and later in Middle English (circa 1300s) it transformed into "derision". So, etymologically speaking, "derision" roughly translates to "downward laughter" or " mocking laughter", implying contemptuous or scornful ridicule. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass not just laughter but also scorn, disdain, and disrespect. Today, "derision" describes the act of ridiculing or treating something with contempt, often in a public or social setting.

Vocabulary summary derision

typenoun

meaningmockery, ridicule, ridicule

exampleto have (hold) in derision

meaningthe state of being ridiculed; the state of being ridiculed; the laughing stock

exampleto be in derision; to be the derision of

exampleto bring into derision

Example of vocabulary derisionnamespace

  • The group's proposals received derision from the audience, who laughed and jeered in response.
  • The politician's opponents greeted her argument with derision, dismissing it as uninformed and weak.
  • The comedian's jokes about democracy were met with derision by the audience, who deemed them too syrupy and predictable.
  • The critics' scathing review of the play resulted in derision from the cast and crew, who felt that their hard work had been unfairly ridiculed.
  • The academic's groundbreaking theory was met with derision by his peers, who dismissed it as impractical and irrelevant.

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