What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deriding
Example
The bullies were deriding the new student for his accent. [deriding: verb]
Example
She felt hurt by the deriding comments made about her appearance. [deriding: adjective]
mocking
Example
He was mocking his friend's dance moves, but it was all in good fun. [mocking: verb]
Example
Her mocking tone made it clear that she didn't believe him. [mocking: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mocking is more commonly used than deriding in everyday language. Mocking can be used in various contexts, including humor, entertainment, and social commentary. Deriding, on the other hand, is less common and is typically associated with negative or hurtful situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deriding and mocking?
Both deriding and mocking are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, deriding is often associated with a more negative and serious tone, which may make it less appropriate for certain situations.
