Finesentence logo

Derisory: meaning, definitions and examples

🤦‍♂️
Add to dictionary

derisory

 

[ dɛrɪˈzɔːri ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

amount or treatment

The term 'derisory' refers to something that is so small or insignificant that it is worthy of ridicule or contempt. It often describes an amount, treatment, or response that is insufficient or inadequate compared to an expected standard. When used in discussions regarding compensation or reparations, it conveys a strong sense of disbelief or disappointment at the triviality of what is being offered. The use of this adjective underscores a dismissive attitude towards whatever is being referred to as derisory.

Synonyms

insignificant, meager, paltry, ridiculous

Examples of usage

  • The raise he received was derisory compared to his workload.
  • Her derisory remarks about the proposal shocked the committee.
  • The funding allocated to the project was derisory and unacceptable.

Translations

Translations of the word "derisory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ridículo

🇮🇳 तिरस्कारात्मक

🇩🇪 geringschätzig

🇮🇩 menjijikkan

🇺🇦 зневажливий

🇵🇱 kpiący

🇯🇵 軽蔑的な

🇫🇷 dérisoire

🇪🇸 derisorio

🇹🇷 aşağılayıcı

🇰🇷 경멸적인

🇸🇦 ساخر

🇨🇿 pohrdavý

🇸🇰 posmešný

🇨🇳 可笑的

🇸🇮 zaničljiv

🇮🇸 háðugur

🇰🇿 кемсіту

🇬🇪 სასაცილო

🇦🇿 gülünc

🇲🇽 ridículo

Etymology

The word 'derisory' originates from the Latin word 'deridere,' which means 'to mock' or 'to laugh at.' This Latin term is composed of 'de-' meaning 'down' and 'ridere' meaning 'to laugh,' indicating a sense of belittling something. The transition of the term into English occurred around the mid-19th century, becoming widely used in literature and discourse to describe something that provokes scornful laughter due to its trivial or laughable nature. Over time, 'derisory' has maintained its connotation of disdain, particularly emphasizing the inadequacy of something that fails to meet expectations. It has been employed in various contexts, particularly in critiques of inadequate responses in politics, economics, and personal interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,168, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.