Hilarity: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

At rank #25,572, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 25569 libelous
• 25570 torpid
• 25571 cobble
• 25572 hilarity
• 25573 iambic
• 25574 beck
• 25575 trumpeter
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