deride
/dɪˈɹaɪd/
Group 14Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To express contempt for; to ridicule GRE
Example in Context
Critics derided the proposal as hopelessly utopian, though its supporters noted that many now-standard policies had once been dismissed as impractical.
Synonyms
mockridiculescoff at
Etymology
To 'laugh down' at someone in contempt.
- de- (Latin) — down
- ridere (Latin) — to laugh
Memory Aid
🎢Sounds like “the ride”
On the roller coaster, I laughed at my friend screaming — I couldn’t help but DERIDE the way he flailed!
Visual Association
😂A group of friends doubled over in laughter, pointing at someone trying to dance awkwardly.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “deride” mean on the GRE?
deride (verb) means “To express contempt for; to ridicule”. Critics derided the proposal as hopelessly utopian, though its supporters noted that many now-standard policies had once been dismissed as impractical.
How to remember “deride” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “deride” sounds like “the ride”. On the roller coaster, I laughed at my friend screaming — I couldn’t help but DERIDE the way he flailed!
What are synonyms for “deride”?
Common synonyms: mock, ridicule, scoff at.