What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mocked
Example
He mocked his friend's accent, but it was all in good fun. [mocked: verb]
Example
The comedian mocked the politician's speech, drawing laughter from the audience. [mocked: past tense]
ridiculed
Example
She felt ridiculed by her classmates for her unusual clothing. [ridiculed: verb]
Example
The boss ridiculed his employee's idea, causing him to feel embarrassed. [ridiculed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mocked is more common than ridiculed in everyday language. Mocked can be used in a variety of contexts, from playful teasing to good-natured ribbing. On the other hand, ridiculed is less common and is typically used in more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mocked and ridiculed?
Ridiculed is more formal than mocked. It is typically used in more serious or professional settings, such as legal or academic contexts. Mocked, on the other hand, is more informal and can be used in casual conversations or social situations.
