derisive
[ dih-rahy-siv, -ris-iv ]
/ dɪˈraɪ sɪv, -ˈrɪs ɪv /
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adjective
characterized by or expressing derision; contemptuous; mocking: derisive heckling.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Also de·ri·so·ry [dih-rahy-suh-ree, -zuh-]. /dɪˈraɪ sə ri, -zə-/.
Origin of derisive
First recorded in 1655–65; deris(ion) + -ive
OTHER WORDS FROM derisive
Words nearby derisive
De Ridder, deride, de rigueur, derisible, derision, derisive, derisory, deriv., derivation, derivative, derive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for derisive
British Dictionary definitions for derisive
derisive
/ (dɪˈraɪsɪv, -zɪv) /
adjective
showing or characterized by derision; mocking; scornful
Derived forms of derisive
derisively, adverbderisiveness, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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