What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ridicule
Example
The comedian ridiculed the politician's speech, making the audience laugh. [ridiculed: verb]
Example
She felt the ridicule of her classmates when she stumbled over her words during the presentation. [ridicule: noun]
taunting
Example
The opposing team taunted the player after he missed the shot, trying to throw him off his game. [taunted: verb]
Example
She couldn't stand the constant taunting from her classmates, which made her feel isolated and alone. [taunting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ridicule is more commonly used than taunting in everyday language. Ridicule is a broader term that covers a wider range of contexts, while taunting is more specific and often associated with sports or playground behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ridicule and taunting?
Both ridicule and taunting are informal and casual words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, ridicule can be used in more serious or professional settings, such as political debates or academic discussions, while taunting is more limited in its usage.
