Ridicule: meaning, definitions and examples
๐คฃ
ridicule
[ หrษชdษชหkjuหl ]
in social situations
Ridicule refers to the act of mocking or making fun of someone or something. It is often used to show contempt or scorn towards a person or an idea. Ridicule can take various forms, such as sarcasm, teasing, or making jokes at someone's expense.
Synonyms
derision, mockery, scorn, taunting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ridicule |
Used when talking about making fun of someone or something in a way that shows contempt or disapproval.
|
| mockery |
Typically used when imitating or pretending in a way that makes someone look ridiculous, often less harsh than derision but still hurtful.
|
| taunting |
Refers to provoking or challenging someone in a sarcastic or mocking manner, with the intent to upset or anger.
|
| derision |
Suitable for situations where there is deep disrespect and mocking, often in a more formal or serious tone.
|
| scorn |
Used for expressing strong disapproval or disdain, often accompanied by a feeling of superiority and can have a bitter tone.
|
Examples of usage
- He couldn't bear the ridicule of his colleagues after the embarrassing incident.
- She felt hurt by the constant ridicule from her classmates.
- His speech was met with ridicule and laughter from the audience.
- Ignoring ridicule can sometimes be the best response.
- Ridicule is often used as a way to belittle others.
in a conversation
When someone ridicules another person, they are making fun of them or mocking them. It is a form of verbal criticism that aims to belittle or humiliate the target. Ridiculing someone can have a negative impact on their self-esteem and confidence.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ridicule |
Ridicule is typically used to describe laughing at someone or making jokes about them in a way that shows you think they are silly or not worthy of respect. It often has a slightly formal tone.
|
| mock |
Mock is more commonly used in everyday conversation to describe making fun of someone, often by imitating them in a mean or playful way. It can be light-hearted or mean-spirited depending on the situation.
|
| tease |
Tease can mean making fun of someone in a playful, friendly way, but it can also be hurtful depending on the intent and context. It is generally less severe than the other words listed.
|
| taunt |
Taunt is used to describe insulting or making fun of someone in a way that is meant to provoke or upset them. It has a very negative connotation and is often associated with bullying or hostile situations.
|
| deride |
Deride means to laugh at someone or something in a mocking or scornful way. It often implies a strong sense of contempt and is used in more formal contexts or writing.
|
Examples of usage
- She ridiculed his fashion sense in front of their friends.
- He often ridicules others to make himself feel superior.
- Don't ridicule others for their beliefs or opinions.
- Her sarcastic comments were meant to ridicule him.
- Ridiculing someone is not a constructive way to provide feedback.
Translations
Translations of the word "ridicule" in other languages:
๐ต๐น ridรญculo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคชเคนเคพเคธ
๐ฉ๐ช Spott
๐ฎ๐ฉ ejekan
๐บ๐ฆ ะณะปัะทัะฒะฐะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ kpiarstwo
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฒ็ฌ
๐ซ๐ท ridicule
๐ช๐ธ ridรญculo
๐น๐ท alay
๐ฐ๐ท ์กฐ๋กฑ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณุฎุฑูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ posmฤch
๐ธ๐ฐ posmech
๐จ๐ณ ๅฒ็ฌ
๐ธ๐ฎ posmeh
๐ฎ๐ธ hรกรฐ
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะฐะทะฐา
๐ฌ๐ช แฅแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ istehza
๐ฒ๐ฝ ridรญculo
Etymology
The word 'ridicule' originated from the Latin word 'ridiculus,' meaning 'laughable' or 'mocking.' It first appeared in English in the 17th century and has since been used to describe the act of mocking or making fun of someone or something. Ridicule has been a common form of social interaction throughout history, often used to criticize or ridicule individuals who deviate from social norms.
See also: ridiculer, ridiculing, ridiculous, ridiculously, ridiculousness.