The difference between Ridicule and Scorn

When used as nouns, ridicule means derision, whereas scorn means contempt or disdain.

When used as verbs, ridicule means to criticize or disapprove of someone or something through scornful jocularity, whereas scorn means to feel or display contempt or disdain for something or somebody.


Ridicule is also adjective with the meaning: ridiculous.

check bellow for the other definitions of Ridicule and Scorn

  1. Ridicule as a verb (transitive):

    to criticize or disapprove of someone or something through scornful jocularity; to make fun of

    Examples:

    "His older sibling constantly ridiculed him with sarcastic remarks."

  1. Ridicule as a noun:

    derision; mocking or humiliating words or behaviour

  2. Ridicule as a noun:

    An object of sport or laughter; a laughing stock.

  3. Ridicule as a noun:

    The quality of being ridiculous; ridiculousness.

  1. Ridicule as an adjective (obsolete):

    ridiculous

    Examples:

    "This action ... became so ridicule.'' — Aubrey."

  1. Scorn as a verb (transitive):

    To feel or display contempt or disdain for something or somebody; to despise.

  2. Scorn as a verb (transitive):

    To reject, turn down.

    Examples:

    "He scorned her romantic advances."

  3. Scorn as a verb (transitive):

    To refuse to do something, as beneath oneself.

    Examples:

    "She scorned to show weakness."

  4. Scorn as a verb (intransitive):

    To scoff, to express contempt.

  1. Scorn as a noun (uncountable):

    Contempt or disdain.

  2. Scorn as a noun (countable):

    A display of disdain; a slight.

  3. Scorn as a noun (countable):

    An object of disdain, contempt, or derision.

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