derisive

[ dih-rahy-siv, -ris-iv ]
See synonyms for derisive on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. characterized by or expressing derision; contemptuous; mocking: derisive heckling.

Origin of derisive

1
First recorded in 1655–65; deris(ion) + -ive
  • Also de·ri·so·ry [dih-rahy-suh-ree, -zuh-]. /dɪˈraɪ sə ri, -zə-/.

Other words from derisive

  • 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

Words Nearby derisive

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use derisive in a sentence

  • Sometimes it comes in literal sobriety, sometimes in derisive travesti, sometimes in tragic aggravation.

    Checkmate | Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
  • There is something repulsively familiar about the tall man, his mouth drawn into a derisive smile.

    Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist | Alexander Berkman
  • Sometimes he thinks that they wink at one another with regard to him, or make signs behind his back that are meant to be derisive.

  • "Oh, that only shows you can't interpret operatic music," Rob replied, with a derisive grin.

  • The Turk heard the derisive laugh, and he felt the tingling of his ear and the poke in his ribs.

British Dictionary definitions for derisive

derisive

/ (dɪˈraɪsɪv, -zɪv) /


adjective
  1. showing or characterized by derision; mocking; scornful

Derived forms of derisive

  • derisively, adverb
  • derisiveness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012