derisive means expressing or characterized by derision; mocking; ridiculing. It carries an Arena rating of 1642, earned across 8 head-to-head judged battles.
derisive is pronounced /dɪˈɹaɪ.sɪv/.
Why “derisive” is a great word
Expressing contempt or ridicule through scornful mockery. From the participle stem of Latin dērīdeō ("to laugh to scorn, to deride") + the English suffix -ive. Unlike "critical," which implies a serious, analytical judgment, or "disrespectful," a broad term for a lack of regard, derisive is scorn made audible and specific. It is the sharp, percussive clap meant to interrupt, the slow, exaggerated imitation that reduces a sincere argument to absurdity, and the curling lip that accompanies a sarcastic "bravo." It is the weaponization of laughter to build a wall between the mocker and the mocked.
Etymology
From the participle stem of Latin dērīdeō (“to deride”) + -ive.
adj
- Expressing or characterized by derision; mocking; ridiculing.“The critic's review of the film was derisive.”
- Deserving or provoking derision or ridicule.“The plot of the film was so derisive that the audience began to jeer.”
noun
- A derisive remark.“The three lambs stood at bay, huddled close together, and helplessly bleated feeble derisives at the wolf who has headed them off from safety; but their polite and Englishy tone was a source of Homeric laughter to this Thersites of the Pleasance.”