derisive Hear it!

derisive Definition

de·ri·sive (di rī′siv, -ziv)

adjective

  1. showing derision; ridiculing
  2. provoking derision; ridiculous

Etymology: ML derisivus: see derision & -ive

derisive Related Forms
de·ri′·sively adverb de·ri′·sive·ness noun
derisive Synonyms

derisive

modif.

insulting, mocking, taunting, contemptuous; see sarcastic, scornful 1, 2.

derisive Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • laughter: The answer will be something like, " Any fool can make up a story like that " , emphasized with derisive laughter.
  • comment: Racial remarks or derisive comments will not be permitted in the forum or via private message.
  • laugh: Sally will instantly decry your attempts to make polite conversation with a derisive laugh.
  • snort: He gives a derisive snort: ' I wouldn't believe what it says on one of those ' I can see him relax.
  • term: The term Yankee is still used in The South as a derisive term for persons from any state north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
  • description: The derisive description for such nations in international diplomacy might be " Banana republics " .

Modifying Another Word

  • somewhat: Speaking in his own name, he is somewhat derisive about the critics of the first two volumes of his work.