Reading Theme:
Mock: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：ridicule (mock)
mock
/mɒk/
adj./n./v.
To laugh at someone or make fun of them in a mean way, often by copying what they say or do.
ridicule
➕
/ˈrɪdɪkjuːl/
adj./n./v.
To show contempt or scorn for someone by imitating or deriding them, often in a hurtful or insulting manner.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Middle English 'mokken', from Old French 'mocquer' (to deride).
💡 Mnemonic
Mock rhymes with 'rock' — picture throwing mocking words as hard as rocks.
📖 Example
The other students mocked his accent, making him feel embarrassed and isolated.
The other students ridiculed his accent, making him feel embarrassed and isolated.
🔗 Collocations
mock someone mercilessly – To ridicule someone in a way that shows no pity.
a mocking smile – A smile that expresses scorn or ridicule.
mock his efforts – To ridicule or show disdain for someone's attempts.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Emerged in the 15th century via Old French, meaning 'to make fun of'. The adjective sense 'imitation' appeared in the 16th century, likely from the idea of an act done in jest before a real event.
Meaning 2：simulated (mock)
mock
/mɒk/
adj./n./v.
Not real but made to look or work like the real thing, usually for practice or training.
simulated
➕
/ˈsɪmjʊleɪtɪd/
adj./n./v.
Referring to something that is not genuine or functional, but is made to imitate the real thing for the purposes of practice, testing, or demonstration.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Before the real debate, our teacher organized a mock debate so we could practice our arguments.
Before the real debate, our teacher organized a simulated debate so we could practice our arguments.
🔗 Collocations
mock interview – A practice interview that simulates a real job interview.
mock-up – A full-scale model or replica of a structure or object used for study, testing, or demonstration.
mock trial – A simulation of a real court trial for educational or training purposes.
🔄 Synonyms
Meaning 3：practice test (mock)
mock
/mɒk/
adj./n./v.
A practice test that is designed to be like the real exam.
practice test
➕
/ˈpræktɪs tɛst/
adj./n./v.
A test, particularly an exam, that is taken for practice, designed to replicate the format, content, and conditions of the real examination.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
I scored well on the mock, which gave me more confidence for the actual IELTS test next week.
I scored well on the practice test, which gave me more confidence for the actual IELTS test next week.
🔗 Collocations
sit a mock – To take a practice examination.
mock results – The scores or feedback received from a practice examination.
mock examination – A formal practice test, often held under exam conditions.
🔄 Synonyms
practice test (n.) – A trial examination taken to prepare for the real one.
trial exam (n.) – An exam taken as a rehearsal or for assessment before the official one.
rehearsal (n.) – A practice performance or test (often used in broader contexts).
🚫 Antonyms
final exam (n.) – The official, culminating examination of a course.
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