What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deride
Example
The boss derided the employee's work in front of everyone. [derided: past tense]
Example
She felt derided by her classmates for her unconventional ideas. [deride: verb]
mock
Example
He mocked her accent, which made her feel embarrassed. [mocked: past tense]
Example
The comedian's routine was full of mocking impersonations of famous politicians. [mocking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mock is more commonly used than deride in everyday language. Mock is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while deride is less common and has a more serious connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deride and mock?
Deride is typically associated with a formal or serious tone, while mock can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
