To ridicule, mock, laugh at with contempt or scorn.

To ridicule, mock, laugh at with contempt or scorn.

• A. Pithy
• B. Deride
• C. August
• D. Erudite

Answer: (B)

Deride is the verb that means to ridicule or mock someone or something with contempt or scorn. It directly captures the idea of expressing disdain through scornful laughter or closed-minded ridicule, which is exactly what the prompt is asking for. The word carries a sense of belittling ridicule, often aimed at undermining the subject. Pithy describes something concise and forceful, not ridicule. August means respected, dignified, or majestic. Erudite means well-educated or scholarly. None of these convey the act of openly ridiculing, so they don’t fit the sense of “ridicule, mock, laugh at with contempt or scorn.”

Deride is the verb that means to ridicule or mock someone or something with contempt or scorn. It directly captures the idea of expressing disdain through scornful laughter or closed-minded ridicule, which is exactly what the prompt is asking for. The word carries a sense of belittling ridicule, often aimed at undermining the subject.

Pithy describes something concise and forceful, not ridicule. August means respected, dignified, or majestic. Erudite means well-educated or scholarly. None of these convey the act of openly ridiculing, so they don’t fit the sense of “ridicule, mock, laugh at with contempt or scorn.”