scoff

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun showing your contempt by derision
  2. verb laugh at with contempt and derision
  3. verb treat with contemptuous disregard

Etymology

From Middle English scof, skof, probably of North Germanic origin. Compare Old Norse skaup, Old Danish skof, Old Frisian skof (“insult, shame”), and Old High German scoph.

In classic literature

Synonyms

jeer, jeering, mockery, scoffing

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