Mockingly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner that expresses ridicule, scorn, or contempt through imitation or jeering remarks
2. In a way that conveys derision or disdain by mimicking or taunting others
3. Characterized by a tone or action that displays sarcasm, sneering, or ridicule towards a subject

Etymology: "Mockingly" is a plain formation: the adjective "mocking" with the adverb ending "-ly" attached. The adjective comes from "mock," which is the English verb meaning to ridicule or imitate in a scornful way. The adverb suffix has a longer history than the word it sits on, descending through Old English "-līce" from a Germanic root meaning "body" or "form," so that "-ly" once carried the sense of "in the manner of" or "in the appearance of." That older sense is still visible in the suffix. An adverb built this way describes an action performed in the manner of its adjective, so "mockingly" means doing something in a mocking manner. The suffix itself is the same ending found in countless English adverbs such as "quickly" and "boldly," and it was the standard way Old English turned adjectives into adverbs.

Synonyms: sardonicly, sarcastically, derisively, scornfully, tauntingly

Antonyms: seriously, sincerely, earnestly, genuinely, truthfully