What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
derision
Example
The politician's speech was met with derision from the crowd. [derision: noun]
Example
She derided her coworker's idea, making him feel embarrassed. [derided: verb]
scorn
Example
He looked at her with scorn, clearly showing his disapproval. [scorn: noun]
Example
The boss scorned his employee for making a mistake, humiliating him in front of others. [scorned: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scorn is more commonly used than derision in everyday language. Scorn is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while derision is less common and is often used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between derision and scorn?
Derision is typically associated with a more formal tone, while scorn can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.
