What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mocked
Example
The kids mocked him for his strange accent. [mocked: verb]
Example
She mocked the way he talked, which made him feel embarrassed. [mocked: past tense]
scoffed
Example
He scoffed at the idea of going to the party. [scoffed: verb]
Example
She scoffed when he suggested they take a walk in the rain. [scoffed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mocked is more commonly used than scoffed in everyday language. Mocked is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scoffed is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mocked and scoffed?
Scoffed is more formal than mocked and is typically used in more serious or professional contexts. Mocked is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.