Hilarity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hilarity
[hษชหlรฆrษชti ]
Definition
state of being
Hilarity refers to great amusement or laughter. It describes a situation filled with joy and laughter, often contagious to those involved. Such a state is usually enjoyed during gatherings or funny events, making people feel delighted and at ease. The concept of hilarity is often associated with humorous performances, jokes, or amusing incidents that provoke a hearty response.
Synonyms
amusement, fun, gaiety, joy, laughter.
Examples of usage
- The hilarity of the situation made everyone forget their troubles.
- His jokes added to the hilarity of the evening.
- The children's antics brought much hilarity to the party.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Laughter, often associated with hilarity, is a natural response that has been proven to reduce stress and boost happiness.
- Psychologists agree that sharing laughter strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of community.
- The act of laughing releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, enhancing overall well-being.
Pop Culture
- Hilarity is often featured in comedy films and television shows, such as 'Saturday Night Live,' illustrating how humor shapes entertainment.
- Some stand-up comedians focus on creating hilarity through storytelling, building a connection with the audience that elicits laughter.
- Events like comedy festivals celebrate hilarity and showcase talents, including comedians, actors, and improvisers.
Literature
- In literature, hilarity can serve as a device to explore serious themes in a light-hearted way, as seen in works by Shakespeare.
- Popular comedic novels often use hilarity to drive the narrative, providing humor while developing characters and plots.
- Authors like Mark Twain utilized hilarity to critique society, showcasing the blend of humor and social commentary.
Science
- Research has shown that laughter can improve immune function, highlighting the physical benefits of experiencing hilarity.
- Studies suggest that children laugh an average of 300 times a day, compared to adults, who laugh about 20 times, indicating a natural inclination towards hilarity in youth.
- Neuroscientific findings indicate that laughter activates the brain's reward pathways, providing an explanation for why humor feels so good.
Origin of 'hilarity'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'hilare,' meaning cheerful or merry, emphasizing joy.
- First recorded use in English was in the early 16th century, linking it to acts of joy and fun.
- The original Latin root is related to the words 'hilarious' and 'hilarity,' creating a family of terms around joy and laughter.
The word 'hilarity' originates from the Latin term 'hilari-tas', which combines the root 'hilaris', meaning cheerful or merry. The term made its way into Middle English around the late 14th century, initially depicted as a state of joy and merriment. Over the centuries, 'hilarity' evolved to encapsulate the essence of amusement and laughter that is often spontaneous and shared. Its use in literature and everyday conversation has solidified its place in the English language, commonly being associated with lighter moments and social gatherings that evoke laughter and joviality.