derisive

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

/ dɪˈraɪ sɪv, -ˈrɪs ɪv /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR derisive ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

characterized by or expressing derision; contemptuous; mocking: derisive heckling.

Nearby words

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

Related forms

de·ri·sive·ly, adverbde·ri·sive·ness, nounnon·de·ri·sive, adjectiveo·ver·de·ri·sive, adjective

o·ver·de·ri·sive·ly, adverbo·ver·de·ri·sive·ness, nounun·de·ri·sive, adjectiveun·de·ri·sive·ly, adverbun·de·ri·sive·ness, nounun·de·ri·so·ry, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for derisive

That being said, people in the deaf community felt free to make pointed and derisive comments about my CI.
This Is What It Is Like To Be Deaf From Birth|Quora Contributor|December 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The message is derisive—rhabdomyolysis and whatever else might happen to certain people is really for wimps and buffoons only.
Cool It on the CrossFit: What’s Rhabdomyolysis?|Kent Sepkowitz|October 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A French satirical magazine runs some derisive cartoons of Muhammad.
The Cost of Cartooning|David Frum|September 19, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Remember all the derisive comments about previous encounters?
A Winning Final Four at the GOP Debate in Charleston|Michael Medved|January 20, 2012|DAILY BEAST

In retrospect, Horyn thinks she made a mistake—though she says she didn't mean to be derisive about the actress' weight.
Fashion's Most Feared Critic|Jacob Bernstein|October 11, 2010|DAILY BEAST
"Belle Demona fired the sheds and thinks I am there yet," she went on with a derisive laugh.
Old Broadbrim Into the Heart of Australia|Author of "Old Broadbrim"
This explained that derisive offer of fifty-one from Consolidated Pepsin.
The Spinner's Book of Fiction|Various
"Oh, that only shows you can't interpret operatic music," Rob replied, with a derisive grin.
A Fortune Hunter; Or, The Old Stone Corral|John Dunloe Carteret
Holding it back for me to enter, and watching me with the old, derisive, questioning smile.
Captain Macedoine's Daughter|William McFee
The allusion to magnanimity produced some derisive laughs, which slightly nettled Matthew.
Round the Block|John Bell Bouton

British Dictionary definitions for derisive

derisive

/ (dɪˈraɪsɪv, -zɪv) /

adjective

showing or characterized by derision; mocking; scornful

Derived Formsderisively, adverbderisiveness, 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

Word Origin and History for derisive

derisive

adj.

1620s, "characterized by derision," from Latin deris-, past participle stem of deridere (see derision) + -ive. Meaning "ridiculous" is from 1896. Related: Derisively.

derisive

adjective

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Origin of derisive

Examples from the Web for derisive

derisive

adjective

derisive