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Meaning & use

jeering

adjective, noun·Academicdisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˈdʒɪərɪŋ/
US/ˈdʒɪrɪŋ/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a noundisapproving

    Shouting or making rude, mocking remarks at someone, usually in a group, to show scorn.

    Grammar: Used before a noun: a jeering crowd.

    Patterns

    • a jeering crowd
    • jeering laughter

    The speaker was met by a jeering crowd outside the town hall.

    A few jeering voices from the back made it hard for her to continue.

    He ignored the jeering laughter and kept walking.

  2. noununcountabledisapproving

    Loud, scornful shouting or insults aimed at someone, often from a crowd.

    Grammar: Not used with an or a plural: the jeering grew louder.

    Patterns

    • the jeering of something

    The jeering from the stands made the referee nervous.

    Amid the jeering, the singer stopped and left the stage.

    Years of jeering at school had left him very shy.

Word forms

base formjeer
-ing formjeering

Common combinations

jeering crowd
A jeering crowd gathered around the stage.
jeering laughter
The jeering laughter followed her down the corridor.
amid jeering
The minister left amid jeering from protesters.
jeering at
The fans were jeering at the goalkeeper after his mistake.
cheering and jeering
The cheering and jeering made the debate almost impossible to follow.

Synonyms and how they differ

mocking
Mocking can be quiet and private, while jeering is typically loud and often belongs to a crowd.
taunting
Taunting is aimed at provoking one person, whereas jeering is about showing contempt in public.
derisive
Derisive is a more formal adjective for contempt and does not suggest shouting.
heckling
Heckling means interrupting a speaker with remarks, while jeering is simply scornful noise.

Opposites

cheeringapplauding

Word family

jeer verb
to shout rude, mocking remarks
jeer noun
a scornful shout
jeeringly adverb
in a mocking and scornful way

Commonly confused: jeering or jeering vs. cheering?

jeering vs jeering vs. cheering

They sound alike but are opposites: cheering shows support, jeering shows scorn.

Practice

When the striker missed an open goal, the home supporters began ___ him loudly.

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