mockery — teasing and contemptuous language or behavior directed at a particular person or thing
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: teasing and contemptuous language or behavior directed at a particular person or thing
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɑːkəri/
Example Sentences
- His attempt at cooking was such a mockery that even the smoke alarm started laughing.
- The company's promise of work-life balance turned out to be a mockery when employees worked 80 hours a week.
- She couldn't stand the mockery in his voice when he imitated her accent.
mockery
NOUN[/ˈmɑːkəri/]
teasing and contemptuous language or behavior directed at a particular person or thing
The jester's mockery of the king made the whole court roar with laughter.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Mockery derives from Middle French 'moquerie' (15th century), itself stemming from the verb 'moquer' meaning 'to mock or jeer'. The term originally referred to the act of ridiculing someone by imitating or mimicking them to make them an object of laughter.
Breakdown
mock (to ridicule or jeer) + -ery (a state or practice of). The suffix '-ery' transforms the verb into a noun denoting an action, habit, or condition.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His attempt at cooking was such a mockery that even the smoke alarm started laughing.”
“The company's promise of work-life balance turned out to be a mockery when employees worked 80 hours a week.”
“She couldn't stand the mockery in his voice when he imitated her accent.”
“The referee's decision was such a mockery that fans threw their popcorn in protest.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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