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

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

How to use derisive in a sentence

  • But his many opponents did all they could to make sure America would never fight what they tagged derisively as "Roosevelt's war."

    When America Said No to War | Marc Wortman | September 10, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • “Bye-bye, Willie,” sang out Harvey, looking back and waving his cap derisively.

    The Rival Campers | Ruel Perley Smith
  • A score of figures were dancing there, and shouting derisively at the out-distanced American tug.

  • Isabella laughed derisively before she did me another wrong.

    Dross | Henry Seton Merriman
  • At this Foxington laughed derisively, saying that it sounded very like a put-off.

    Frank Fairlegh | Frank E. Smedley
  • He laughed derisively, and began to talk of her as he might have talked of Semiramis or Boadicea, only more vividly.

    The Open Question | Elizabeth Robins

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