derisory

1 8.3

So small that people see it as a joke

adjective
/dɪˈraɪzəri/

: ridículo

However, even T.S. Lawrence later described in derisory terms the Hashemite role as "a side show of a side show."

Examples

They dismissed his excuse as derisory and not worthy of consideration.
So derisory, in fact, that he was advised by the League Manager's Association not to sign the contract.

Blog text (23)
"His next words were patently derisory.

Fiction book (1990)
Florence repeated the question with a harsh, derisory impatience in her voice.

Fiction book (1990)
I see no reason why not, sir, assuming Miss Kingsley agrees," said Maddocks with derisory emphasis.

Fiction book (1996)
Reidh's comment comes across as, at best, morose or, at worst, snide and derisory.

Blog text (13)
The amount he was paid was derisory, barely enough to cover his expenses.
Her proposal for the project was derisory, lacking any substantial benefit.

Synonyms

ridiculous

vsderisory

∞ 1.6

Very silly or unreasonable in a way that makes people laugh

focuses on being very small or inadequate to invite ridicule

absurd

vsderisory

288 4.4

So silly or unreasonable that it makes no sense

is specifically about being insultingly small or inadequate

ludicrous

vsderisory

100 6.0

Very silly and unreasonable so it makes people laugh

highlights the tiny or inadequate size meant to cause scorn

preposterous

vsderisory

72 7.3

Very silly and unreasonable so it seems laughable

points to being insulting in size or quality rather than absurdity

laughable

vsderisory

60 4.1

So silly or not reasonable that people do not take it seriously

is instead used when an amount or offer is insultingly small

nonsensical

vsderisory

39 5.5

Not making sense or having any meaning

is used for small or inadequate amounts meant to provoke scorn

cockeyed

vsderisory

Informal

4 8.9

A foolish idea or plan that will not work

is narrower, referring to small or inadequate offers meant to insult

derisible

vsderisory

9.3

So silly that people laugh at it

is about being very small or inadequate to provoke ridicule

Antonyms

generous

328 1.6

Willing to give more than is expected, especially money or time

substantial

7 5.0

About the main, basic part of something

How Small

negligible

31 5.6

derisory

1 8.3

paltry

22 7.1

small

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

derisory positive

derisorier comparative

derisorist superlative

Morphology

derisory = derision (semi-transparent) = deris + ory

The adjective is clearly derived from 'derision' (ridicule), but the formal suffix '-ory' and the idiomatic nuance ('so small as to invite derision') make the relation only partially transparent for an average learner.

Etymology

Derisory comes from the old Latin root ridere, which means 'to laugh'. It is related to the words deride and ridiculous, so something described as derisory is so small or poor that people laugh at it.