What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mock
Example
He mocked her accent by imitating it in a funny way. [mock: verb]
Example
The children mockingly imitated their teacher's strict tone. [mockingly: adverb]
Example
I can't believe you're serious, are you mocking me? [mocking: present participle]
ridicule
Example
The politician was subjected to ridicule for his outrageous statements. [ridicule: noun]
Example
She felt humiliated when her coworkers ridiculed her outfit. [ridiculed: past tense]
Example
He ridiculed the idea of climate change, calling it a hoax. [ridiculed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mock is more commonly used than ridicule in everyday language. Mock can be used in a variety of situations, including playful teasing or expressing disbelief, while ridicule is more specific and often used in formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mock and ridicule?
Ridicule is typically associated with a formal or serious tone, while mock can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be more versatile in terms of formality level.
