derisive

[ dih-rahy-siv, -ris-iv ]

adjective

1. characterized by or expressing derision; contemptuous; mocking:

   derisive heckling.

derisive

/ dɪˈraɪsɪv; -zɪv /

adjective

1. showing or characterized by derision; mocking; scornful

Derived Forms

• deˈrisiveness, noun
• deˈrisively, adverb

Other Words From

• de·risive·ly adverb
• de·risive·ness noun
• nonde·risive adjective
• over·de·risive adjective
• over·de·risive·ly adverb
• over·de·risive·ness noun
• unde·risive adjective
• unde·risive·ly adverb
• unde·risive·ness noun
• unde·riso·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of derisive¹

First recorded in 1655–65; deris(ion) + -ive

Example Sentences

American democracy cannot survive four more years of derisive laughter at the expense of our unity.

From Salon

Biden, speaking of a derisive joke about Puerto Rico that a comedian made at a Trump rally on Sunday, appeared to refer to Trump supporters as “garbage”.

From BBC

The Crew’s new stadium, which opened in 1999, looked like a hunk of metal that lived up to its derisive nickname, “The Erector Set.”

From Los Angeles Times

Walz may counter by highlighting Vance’s past controversial statements – on Ohio Haitians and his derisive remarks about Democratic women who don’t have children being “childless cat ladies”.

From BBC

Rather than just calling Trump a friend of dictators, she got deliciously derisive.

From Salon

Related Words

• cheeky
• disdainful
• insulting
• mocking
• rude
• sarcastic
• scornful