Basic Details
Word: Ridicule
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: To make fun of someone or something in a way that shows you think they are silly or worthless.
Synonyms: Mockery, derision, scorn
Antonyms: Praise, admiration, respect
Idioms and Phrases
- Turn someone into a laughing stock: This means to make someone look foolish, usually resulting in ridicule. Example: "His mistakes in the presentation turned him into a laughing stock among his peers."
- Take the mickey out of: This phrase means to tease or mock someone. Example: "They took the mickey out of his silly hat, but he wore it proudly."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The comedian's jokes were hilarious, but they sometimes crossed the line from humour to ridicule.
Example 2: It is unkind to ridicule others for their mistakes, as we all make them at times.
Example 3: The character in the book faced ridicule for his unusual choices, but he stayed true to himself.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "ridicule" comes from the Latin word "ridiculum," which means "a laughing matter"? It was used in English as early as the 16th century!
Famous Quote
"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another." William James, reminding us that even in the face of ridicule, we control how we respond.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "ridicule" mean?
a) To appreciate someone
b) To make fun of someone
c) To help someone
d) To ignore someone
Answer: b) To make fun of someone
2. Which of these is a synonym of "ridicule"?
a) Mockery
b) Collaboration
c) Support
d) Friendship
Answer: a) Mockery
3. Which sentence uses "ridicule" correctly?
a) It is important to ridicule others when they fail.
b) She turned her ridicule into a kind compliment.
c) He faced ridicule but remained confident.
d) They ridicule each other in a positive way.
Answer: c) He faced ridicule but remained confident.
4. Which idiom means to make someone look foolish?
a) Turn someone into a laughing stock
b) Take the mickey out of
c) Both a and b
d) Keep a stiff upper lip
Answer: c) Both a and b
5. What is the opposite of "ridicule"?
a) Jeer
b) Scorn
c) Praise
d) Taunt
Answer: c) Praise
