What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ridicule
Example
The comedian's jokes were not funny; they were just ridicule. [ridicule: noun]
Example
He felt ridiculed by his coworkers for his accent. [ridiculed: verb]
teasing
Example
She was teasing her brother about his new haircut. [teasing: verb]
Example
The group of friends enjoyed playful teasing and banter. [teasing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Teasing is more commonly used than ridicule in everyday language. Teasing is a common social behavior among friends and family members, while ridicule is considered inappropriate and unacceptable in most situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ridicule and teasing?
Both ridicule and teasing are informal words, but ridicule is more negative and has a more serious connotation, making it less appropriate for formal situations.
