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Hilarious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hilarious

[hɪˈlɛːrɪəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a funny situation

extremely funny, causing great amusement; hilarious situations often involve unexpected twists or absurdities. People may laugh uncontrollably when something is hilarious.

Synonyms

amusing, comical, entertaining, funny, humorous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hilarious

Used when something is extremely funny and causes loud laughter.

  • The comedian's routine was so hilarious that the audience couldn't stop laughing
  • The movie was hilarious from start to finish
funny

A general term for something that makes you laugh; can range from mildly amusing to extremely hilarious.

  • That joke was really funny
  • The funny thing about the situation was that they didn't realize they were in the wrong room
amusing

Used when something is entertaining in a light-hearted way, making you smile or chuckle rather than laugh out loud.

  • Her stories about daily life are always so amusing
  • The cartoon was amusing and delighted the children
comical

Often used to describe something or someone that is funny in an odd or absurd way.

  • His comical expressions made everyone in the room laugh
  • The dog's attempts to catch its tail were comical
entertaining

Used when something is enjoyable and holds your interest, not necessarily in a very funny way.

  • The show was both entertaining and informative
  • The magician's performance was quite entertaining
humorous

Used to describe something that is funny, often in a clever or witty way.

  • His humorous take on everyday life made his articles very popular
  • The movie had several humorous moments that had the audience laughing out loud

Examples of usage

  • That joke you told was absolutely hilarious!
  • The comedian's performance was so hilarious that the audience couldn't stop laughing.
  • The movie was hilarious from start to finish, with non-stop laughs.
  • His hilarious antics always bring a smile to everyone's face.
  • She has a hilarious sense of humor that brightens up any room.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Comedy

  • Great comedians often hone their timing to deliver hilarious punchlines, making the difference between a chuckle and a roar of laughter.
  • The context of a joke can make something hilarious; societal norms can amplify humor because of shared understanding.
  • Physical humor, like slapstick, relies on visual elements which can be universally hilarious, transcending language barriers.

Psychology

  • Laughter is known to release endorphins, creating a sense of happiness, making 'hilarious' moments beneficial for mental health.
  • Jokes often rely on incongruity; this surprise element is what invokes laughter and makes something hilarious.
  • A study found that during times of stress, people are more likely to seek out hilarious content to improve their mood.

Pop Culture

  • Many popular movies and shows, like 'The Office,' are considered hilarious, often reflecting the quirks of everyday life.
  • Online platforms like YouTube and TikTok have become hotspots for hilarious videos, showcasing humor in creative formats.
  • Memes often go viral because they encapsulate hilarious moments or relatable experiences in a concise format.

Literature

  • Authors like Mark Twain and Douglas Adams are famous for their hilarious writing styles that combine wit with satire.
  • Hilarious poetry blends humor and rhyme, allowing poets to discuss serious topics in a lighthearted manner.
  • Comic relief in literature enhances the depth of a story, giving readers a break from serious themes while also being funny.

Origin of 'hilarious'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin term 'hilaris,' meaning cheerful or merry.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially describing something joyful.
  • The evolution from 'hilaris' shows how language transforms along with cultural attitudes towards humor.

The word 'hilarious' originated from the Latin word 'hilaris', meaning cheerful or merry. Over time, it evolved to represent something extremely funny or amusing. The term has been in use since the 19th century to describe situations, jokes, or performances that are exceptionally humorous and cause great amusement.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,115, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.