ridicule
Ridicule (verb) means to mock or make fun of someone or something in a scornful way. Example: “The critics ridiculed his first novel as amateurish.”
How to use ridicule
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMaking fun of someone or something in a mocking, belittling way.
Don't confuse with the adjective ridiculous, which describes the thing being mocked rather than the act of mocking.
Word forms
more ridicule comparative, ridiculed past tense, ridicules plural, ridicules plural, ridicules singular, most ridicule superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The critics _____ his first novel as amateurish.
Etymology
From French ridicule, from Latin rīdiculus (\"laughable\"), from ridere (\"to laugh\").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ridicule
See all rhymes for ridicule →Frequently asked questions
What does “ridicule” mean?
The word “ridicule” means to mock or make fun of someone or something in a scornful way. In plain terms, making fun of someone or something in a mocking, belittling way.
How do you pronounce “ridicule”?
“Ridicule” is pronounced RIH-dihk-yool (/ˈɹɪdɪkjuːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “ridicule” in a sentence?
Here is “ridicule” used in a sentence: “The critics ridiculed his first novel as amateurish.”
What is another word for “ridicule”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ridicule” include derision, scoff, mockery and katagelasticism.
What part of speech is “ridicule”?
Depending on how it is used, “ridicule” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “ridicule” come from?
The word “ridicule” comes from Latin. From French ridicule, from Latin rīdiculus (\"laughable\"), from ridere (\"to laugh\").
Is “ridicule” a common word?
“Ridicule” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ridicule” have?
“Ridicule” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to mock or make fun of someone or something in a scornful way.