WordGarden.ioscoff
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /skˈɒf/
US
- /ˈskɔf/
Meanings
Verb
to mock or speak about someone or something with scorn
to eat something quickly and greedily
Noun
a mocking remark, laugh, or expression of scorn
Beyond the definition
If someone scoffs at your idea for building a robot that does your homework, they aren't just disagreeing - they're dismissing it as silly or not worth serious thought. This word often shows scorn or disbelief, sometimes with a short laugh, a snort, or a facial expression. You might react this way to the idea of wearing socks with sandals, or someone might react this way to your dreams if they do not believe in them. It is more than disagreement; it has a sharp, contemptuous edge. In informal British English, it can also mean to eat something quickly and greedily.
To scoff means to mock or ridicule someone or something, often expressing contempt or disbelief. It's not a polite reaction! When you scoff, you're essentially saying, "This is so ridiculous I can't even take it seriously." The act of scoffing often involves a snort, a dismissive laugh, or a scornful expression.
The word carries a strong sense of superiority - the person scoffing feels above whatever they are mocking. You might read about villains scoffing at heroes' attempts to stop them, or see characters in stories scoff at warnings they later ignore. It's often used when someone dismisses an idea, suggestion, or belief as foolish or impractical.
For example: "She scoffed at the notion that she could be wrong," or "He scoffed at their efforts to help." It can also be used as a reporting verb for dialogue: "He scoffed, 'As if that would ever work!'"
While it's often directed at ideas, you can also scoff at things. You might scoff at a poorly made movie, an outdated fashion trend, or a ridiculous claim. Be careful, though – scoffing can be hurtful and alienating! It's rarely a constructive way to respond to someone else's ideas or beliefs.
Finally, in informal English (particularly in British English), "scoff" has a second common meaning: to eat something quickly and greedily. You might scoff down a piece of cake before anyone else sees it. Whether you are devouring a meal or dismissing an idea, "scoffing" usually implies a lack of restraint or a certain intensity.
Examples
- 1
Price doubt
She scoffed at the idea of paying that much for a coffee.
- Patternscoff at + thing/idea
treat it as silly or not worth taking seriously
- 2
Education
People used to scoff at online classes, but now many schools offer them.
- 3
Technology
He scoffed when I said the old laptop still worked.
- 4
Outside criticism
It is easy to scoff from the sidelines, but solving the problem is much harder.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Dialogue
"You really think that will work?" Maya scoffed.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- scoffnounverb
Forms
- scoffedpast tenseverbnoun
- scoffing-ing formverbnoun
- scoffspluralnounverb