derisive

9 7.7

Showing you do not respect someone and think they are silly

adjective
/dɪˈraɪsɪv/

Offensive

: despectivo

Perhaps you can have a discussion without being derisive toward people who have not attacked you.
derisive laughter
derisive term

Look at this man in a derisive manner carrying the cross.

Examples

Some of them were incredulous, others derisive, and still others cruelly satisfied.

Fiction book (1991)
"On the other end of the line, she heard Wayne's sharp, derisive laugh."

Fiction book (1995)
Laughter in the background was loud as the drunk, derisive comments continued.

Fiction book (1998)
Joshua threw back his head in a derisive laugh when he finished.

Fiction book (1990)
Finally, after a bit of derisive laughter, the coach regained the team's attention.

Fiction book (2001)
The nurse made a derisive laughing sound, though her eyes showed no mirth.

Fiction book (1993)
Ignoring the unspoken but obviously derisive answer, Henry took the boys around for a few laps.

Fiction book (1994)
" Shamus glowered at her, but she just gave a derisive laugh and turned to the ranger.

Fiction book (2000)
The piece wasn't derisive enough of externals for Egan's tastes, but it was a start.

Fiction book (2002)
His derisive remarks about her singing made everyone uncomfortable in the room.

Synonyms

derogatory

vsderisive

39 6.9

Expressing an insulting, disrespectful view of someone or something

focuses more on open ridicule and contempt rather than general criticism

irreverent

vsderisive

19 7.2

Not showing respect for people or things most people respect

targets people or ideas with scorn and ridicule rather than general irreverence

pejorative

vsderisive

15 8.2

Showing strong dislike of someone or something, often used about words

adds a sharper sense of mockery and contempt rather than mere disapproval

mocking

vsderisive

2 4.5

Making fun of someone to show you do not respect them

is similar but emphasizes contempt as the main emotional tone

disparaging

vsderisive

Offensive

1 7.0

Showing a low opinion of someone or something

shows active ridicule and scorn rather than only a low opinion

dislogistic

vsderisive

Formal

9.9

Showing disapproval by insulting or criticizing someone

leans more toward direct ridicule and contempt than formal disapproval

derogative

vsderisive

8.1

Showing a bad opinion of someone to make them seem less important

is more about mocking or ridiculing openly rather than subtle belittling

taunting

vsderisive

Offensive

5.8

Saying things that make fun of someone to upset them

shares contempt but does not always aim to provoke a reaction

jeering

vsderisive

Offensive

7.2

Using rude words or loud laughter to show dislike

can be expressed more quietly as contempt rather than public mockery

highly derogatory

vsderisive

Offensive

7.5

Very insulting and likely to deeply offend people

is contemptuous but not necessarily as strongly insulting or extreme

dysphemistic

vsderisive

Offensive

9.9

To use harsh, insulting words to describe someone to hurt or shock them

focuses on ridicule and scorn rather than intentional offensiveness

Antonyms

respectful

150 1.1

Being polite and showing admiration for someone

How Mocking

scornful

7 5.1

derisive

Offensive

9 7.7

mocking

2 4.5

dismissive

43 5.6

teasing

2.7

Surface Forms

derisive positive

Morphology

derisive = deride + deride (transparent) = deride + ive

The adjective is a regular derivation from the verb 'deride' with the productive suffix '-ive', so the meaning 'showing ridicule' is directly predictable from the base.

Etymology

Derisive comes from the Latin deridere, made of de- ('down' or 'away') and ridere ('to laugh'). Think of it as someone 'laughing down' at another person. So, something derisive shows making fun of someone or a lack of respect.