Pronunciation: /skɔf æt/

Definitions of scoff at

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

Example Sentences

A1 She scoffed at the idea of eating bugs.

A2 He scoffed at her suggestion to take the bus.

B1 The professor scoffed at the student's answer, deeming it incorrect.

B2 The CEO scoffed at the proposal to cut costs by reducing employee benefits.

C1 The renowned scientist scoffed at the theory presented by his colleague, calling it absurd.

C2 The artist scoffed at the critics who claimed his work lacked depth, confident in his artistic vision.

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

Example Sentences

A1 She scoffed at the idea of eating bugs.

A2 He scoffed at the suggestion that he needed help.

B1 The students scoffed at the teacher's explanation.

B2 Many people scoffed at the new scientific theory.

C1 Despite the criticism, she did not scoff at the challenges ahead.

C2 The expert in the field would never scoff at new research findings.

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

Example Sentences

A1 She scoffed at the idea of eating snails.

A2 The children scoffed at the suggestion of going to bed early.

B1 He often scoffs at traditional beliefs and practices.

B2 The professor scoffed at the student's simplistic explanation.

C1 The expert scoffed at the amateur's attempt to solve the complex problem.

C2 Despite their qualifications, some people still scoff at their opinions.

Examples of scoff at in a Sentence

formal It is inappropriate to scoff at someone's beliefs or values.

informal Don't scoff at her taste in music, everyone has different preferences.

slang Why do you always scoff at everything I say?

figurative The critics may scoff at his work now, but one day they will recognize his talent.

Grammatical Forms of scoff at

past tense

scoffed

plural

scoffs

comparative

more scoffing

superlative

most scoffing

present tense

scoff

future tense

will scoff

perfect tense

have scoffed

continuous tense

is scoffing

singular

scoffer

positive degree

scoff

infinitive

to scoff

gerund

scoffing

participle

scoffed

Origin and Evolution of scoff at

First Known Use: 1300 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'scoff' originated from Middle English 'scoffen' or 'scoufen', which likely came from Old Norse 'skopa' meaning to scorn or mock.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'scoff' evolved to specifically mean to mock or ridicule someone or something, rather than just expressing scorn or disdain.