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

• deˈrisively, adverb
• deˈrisiveness, noun

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

Nima Zeighami, who works in the immersive technology industry and was at the conference, posted an extremely entertaining and derisive Tweet thread chronicling all of the uses of the word “metaverse” on various ads and branding exercises.

From Time

Within the FBI, some frustrated agents quickly started using a derisive nickname for ZeroFox — replacing the “Fox” with a similar-sounding expletive, to indicate how little use it seemed to have.

From Washington Post

That being said, people in the deaf community felt free to make pointed and derisive comments about my CI.

From The Daily Beast

The message is derisive—rhabdomyolysis and whatever else might happen to certain people is really for wimps and buffoons only.

From The Daily Beast

In his 60s and into his 80s, he loved taking down braggarts and bullies derisive of his age.

From The Daily Beast

A French satirical magazine runs some derisive cartoons of Muhammad.

From The Daily Beast

Remember all the derisive comments about previous encounters?

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

There is something repulsively familiar about the tall man, his mouth drawn into a derisive smile.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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