derisive
/dɪˈraɪsɪv/
adjective
Origin
Latin
deridere — to laugh at or mock
Overview
Meaning Now
- Expressing contempt or ridicule; mocking.
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
derisive
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term stems from the Latin 'ridere', which is also the root for 'ridiculous' and 'derision'. It carries the specific nuance of active, often vocal, mockery directed at someone or something to diminish their status.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
deridere
“to mock”
Formed from 'de-' (down, away) + 'ridere' (to laugh).
- Late Latin
derisivus
“characterized by mocking”
- Middle French
dérisif
“mocking”
- 17th century English
derisive
“expressing ridicule”
Adopted into English from Late Latin or French roots.
Connections
Word parts
de-
prefix
away, down
rid-
root
to laugh
-ive
suffix
tending to
Related across languages
French
dérision
derision
Spanish
derisión
derision
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Related to derisive
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.