What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mocks
Example
He mocks his little sister by copying her every move. [mocks: verb]
Example
The comedian's routine was full of mocking jokes about politicians. [mocking: gerund or present participle]
ridicule
Example
The students subjected the new kid to ridicule for his accent. [ridicule: noun]
Example
She ridiculed her colleague's proposal during the meeting. [ridiculed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mocks is more commonly used than ridicule in everyday language. Mocks is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ridicule is less common and associated with more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mocks and ridicule?
Ridicule is more formal and less common than mocks. It is often used in more serious or professional contexts, such as politics, law, or journalism. Mocks is more casual and frequently used in everyday language, making it suitable for informal or social situations.