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Guffaw Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜‚
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guffaw

[หˆษกสŒfษ”ห ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

laughter

To laugh loudly and heartily, often in a boisterous or unrestrained way. It is a spontaneous and genuine expression of amusement or joy.

Synonyms

chuckle, laugh heartily, roar with laughter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
guffaw

Use this word when referring to loud, unrestrained laughter, especially in situations that may seem boisterous or slightly lacking in decorum.

  • When he heard the joke, he couldn't help but guffaw, drawing everyone's attention
chuckle

This word is appropriate for describing a quiet or suppressed laugh, often in response to something amusing but not hilarious.

  • She chuckled softly at the witty remark during the meeting
laugh heartily

Ideal for situations where laughter is genuine, warm, and full, but not necessarily loud or boisterous.

  • They laughed heartily at the reunion, sharing stories from their childhood
roar with laughter

Best used when referring to very loud and uncontrollable laughter, often in reaction to something extremely funny.

  • The audience roared with laughter at the comedian's hilarious performance

Examples of usage

  • She guffawed at his joke.
  • The comedian's jokes made the audience guffaw throughout the show.
Context #2 | Noun

laughter

A loud and hearty laugh, often characterized by a burst of laughter that is difficult to control. It is a boisterous and infectious expression of amusement or joy.

Synonyms

chuckle, laugh, roar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
guffaw

When someone laughs loudly and heartily, often in response to something very funny or surprising.

  • He let out a guffaw at the comedianโ€™s joke
  • They couldn't help but guffaw at the absurdity of the situation
chuckle

When someone laughs quietly or softly, often in response to something mildly amusing or to themselves.

  • She chuckled at the clever remark
  • He couldn't help but chuckle to himself when he remembered the joke
laugh

The general term for expressing joy or amusement through vocal sounds. Can vary from soft to loud depending on the situation.

  • They laughed at the funny movie
  • Hearing his story, she couldnโ€™t stop laughing
roar

When someone laughs very loudly in an almost overwhelming way, often in a group or in response to something extremely funny.

  • The audience roared with laughter at the comedian's performance
  • He let out a roar of laughter when he saw the prank

Examples of usage

  • His guffaw echoed through the room.
  • The sound of her guffaw filled the air.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In comedy shows, a well-timed guffaw can indicate a punchline hit, encouraging the audience to share in the joy.
  • Numerous cartoons and sitcoms play with exaggerated guffaws to emphasize humor, often using it as a cue for viewers to laugh along.
  • Famous comedians often evoke guffaws from audiences, showing the power of humor to connect people through shared laughter.

Psychology

  • Loud laughter like a guffaw can release endorphins, fostering feelings of happiness and reducing stress.
  • Socially, guffaws can enhance group bonding, signaling approval and enjoyment among companions in shared experiences.
  • Psychological studies show that laughter, especially loud types like guffaws, can improve mental health by creating a positive atmosphere.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often guffaw to portray a carefree attitude or to break tension in serious situations.
  • Contemporary writers use the term to depict vibrant social scenes, capturing the essence of humor and enjoyment.
  • Poets may describe a characterโ€™s guffaw to illustrate their larger-than-life personality and ability to evoke joy in others.

History

  • Historical records suggest that laughter in groups, such as guffaws, was commonplace in gatherings, like feasts or celebrations.
  • In ancient cultures, laughter was considered a sign of good fortune and health, motivating people to laugh heartily together.
  • Philosophers through the ages recognized the importance of laughter in society, often referring to loud laughter as a sign of wisdom and joy.

Origin of 'guffaw'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'guffaw' has its roots in the Scottish word 'guf,' referring to a loud, hearty laugh.
  • Guffaw started being used in English around the 18th century, reflecting how laughter was becoming more expressive.
  • It has been associated with a sense of joviality, emphasizing laughter that isnโ€™t just quiet chuckles but hearty belly laughs.

The word 'guffaw' originated in the early 18th century, possibly as an imitation of the sound of a hearty laugh. It has been used to describe loud and boisterous laughter ever since, often associated with genuine amusement and joy.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,169 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.