derisive
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of derisive
First recorded in 1655–65; deris(ion) + -ive
Explanation
Use the adjective derisive to describe something or someone that mocks, expresses contempt, or ridicules. You may sometimes catch your kids making derisive comments — especially if you ask them to do chores instead of whatever they think is more important. Derisive comes from the Latin word deridere, meaning "to ridicule," and is from the roots de-, which means "down," and ridere, which means "to laugh." The adjective derisory comes from the same Latin word, but it has a different sense. If you say something derisive, you show contempt or ridicule, as in a derisive glare at your noisy neighbors. If you say something is derisory, you mean it invites or deserves ridicule or contempt, especially if it is laughably small, such as a derisory diamond chip in an engagement ring.
Vocabulary lists containing derisive
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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Things Fall Apart
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He ticked through each, using derisive language to highlight what he viewed as their past failings and deficiencies.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
The phrase carries a derisive jeer, a suggestion that anyone born into fame and wealth gets to glide through life.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025
In addition to regulatory overbreadth, the Supreme Court has signaled that derisive comments are also important evidence of unconstitutional animus.
From Slate • Feb. 3, 2025
He also appeared to be adopting a new derisive nickname for him.
From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2024
Simon broke off and turned to Piggy who was looking at him with an expression of derisive incomprehension.
From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
