What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deride
Example
The audience began to deride the comedian's jokes, finding them tasteless. [deride: verb]
Example
She felt derided by her coworkers for her lack of experience. [derided: past tense]
ridicule
Example
The students ridiculed the new teacher for her accent. [ridiculed: past tense]
Example
He was subjected to ridicule by his colleagues for his failed project. [ridicule: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ridicule is more commonly used than deride in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deride and ridicule?
Both deride and ridicule can be used in formal and informal contexts, but deride is associated with a more intellectual or sophisticated tone, making it more appropriate for formal situations.
