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ridicule
/ˈrɪdɪkjuːl/
mockery or contemptuous humor
The comedian's jokes were met with ridicule from the audience.
The audience reacted with mockery and contempt to the comedian's jokes.
general
Mockery or contemptuous humor directed at someone or something.
She faced ridicule for her unconventional fashion choices.
People mocked and showed contempt for her unusual style.
Often used to describe public or social mockery.
general
To mock or make fun of someone or something in a contemptuous way.
The critics ridiculed the actor's performance.
The critics mocked and showed contempt for the actor's acting.
Used as a verb to describe the act of mocking.
Collocations
subject to ridiculeto be mocked or laughed atopen to ridiculevulnerable to being mocked
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage as a verb
When used as a verb, 'ridicule' means to mock or make fun of someone or something in a contemptuous way.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Ridicule often implies public or social mockery, so it's important to consider the context when using the word.
Word Origin
From Middle French 'ridicule', from Latin 'ridiculum' (laughable), from 'ridere' (to laugh).
Usage Notes
Can be used as both a noun and a verb. Often implies public or social mockery.
Word Breakdown
rid
to laugh
root-icule
small or diminutive
suffixEnglish Dictionary