What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ridiculer
Example
He was ridiculed by his classmates for his accent. [ridiculed: verb]
Example
The comedian's jokes were often at the expense of others, making him a notorious ridiculer. [ridiculer: noun]
scoffer
Example
She was a scoffer of astrology, dismissing it as mere superstition. [scoffer: noun]
Example
He scoffed at the idea of taking a day off work to celebrate Valentine's Day. [scoffed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scoffer is more commonly used than ridiculer in everyday language. Scoffer is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ridiculer is less common and has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ridiculer and scoffer?
Both ridiculer and scoffer are informal words that are typically used in casual or critical contexts. However, ridiculer may be considered more offensive or inappropriate in formal settings due to its negative connotation and aggressive tone.