- derisive, derisory
- Something that is derisive conveys ridicule or contempt. Something that is derisory invites it. A derisory offer is likely to provoke a derisive response.
Dictionary of troublesome word. Bill Bryson. 2013.
derisive, derisory
Look at other dictionaries:
derisive, derisory — Something that is derisive conveys ridicule or contempt. Something that is derisory invites it. A derisory offer is likely to provoke a derisive response … Dictionary of troublesome word
derisory — derisive, derisory Although their meanings have coincided since their first appearance in the 17c, in current use they are for the most part kept separate, derisive meaning ‘scoffing, scornful’ as in derisive laughter and derisive remarks and… … Modern English usage
derisive — derisive, derisory Although their meanings have coincided since their first appearance in the 17c, in current use they are for the most part kept separate, derisive meaning ‘scoffing, scornful’ as in derisive laughter and derisive remarks and… … Modern English usage
derisory — [[t]dɪra͟ɪzəri[/t]] 1) ADJ GRADED (disapproval) If you describe something such as an amount of money as derisory, you are emphasizing that it is so small or inadequate that it seems silly or not worth considering. She was being paid what I… … English dictionary
derisory — adjective 1 an amount of money that is derisory is so small that it is not worth considering seriously: Unions described the pay offer as derisory. 2 derisive: derisory comments derisorily adverb … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
derisive — , derisory Something that is derisive conveys ridicule or contempt. Something that is derisory invites it. A derisory offer is likely to provoke a derisive response … Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors
Derisory — De*ri so*ry, a. [L. derisorius: cf. F. d[ e]risoire.] Derisive; mocking. Shaftesbury. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
derisory — ► ADJECTIVE 1) ridiculously small or inadequate. 2) another term for DERISIVE(Cf. ↑derisively) … English terms dictionary
derisive — [di rī′sə rē, di rīzərēdi rī′siv, di rīziv] adj. [ML derisivus: see DERISION & IVE] 1. showing derision; ridiculing 2. provoking derision; ridiculous: Also derisory [di rī′sə rē, di rīzərē] derisively adv. derisiveness n … English World dictionary
derisive — /dəˈraɪsɪv/ (say duh ruysiv), /dəˈrɪzɪv/ (say duh riziv) adjective 1. characterised by derision; ridiculing; mocking. 2. → derisory. –derisively, adverb –derisiveness, noun Usage: The traditional distinction is that derisive means conveying… …
