Word: deride (verb)

Associations

Deride means to mock or insult someone in a scornful way. It often involves making fun of someone’s ideas or actions.

• Example 1: The critics derided the movie for its poor plot and bad acting. (In this case, the critics are mocking the movie's quality.)
• Example 2: He felt hurt when his classmates derided his new hairstyle. (Here, his classmates are making fun of his choice, which makes him feel bad.)
• Example 3: Many people deride the idea of spending so much on fashion when there are more important issues to address. (This means they mock the idea as silly or unreasonable.)

The synonym "ridicule" also means to mock, but it can sometimes imply a more playful or light-hearted form of mockery, while "deride" is often more harsh and scornful.

Substitution

You can also use words like "mock," "scorn," or "ridicule."

• "Mock" can mean to imitate someone in a funny way, while "deride" usually suggests a more serious insult.
• "Scorn" refers to showing contempt, which can be stronger emotionally than merely mocking someone.
• "Ridicule" might imply a lighter or more humorous context than "deride", which is often more negative.

Deconstruction

The root of "deride" comes from the Latin word "deridere," which means "to laugh at."

• "De-" is a prefix meaning "down" or "from," and "ride" comes from "ridere," meaning "to laugh."
• Together, it creates the idea of laughing down at someone, indicating a lack of respect.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a situation where someone might deride a friend's choice? Why do you think people do this?
• How would you feel if someone derided something you cared about?
• Do you think there are times when mocking is okay? Can you give an example?