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Laughable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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laughable

[ˈlɑː.fə.bəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

funny

Deserving derision or laughter; absurd; ridiculous.

Synonyms

absurd, comical, ridiculous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
laughable

Used when something is so silly or implausible that it makes you want to laugh, often implying it's not to be taken seriously.

  • Her attempt to sing was laughable.
  • The idea that he could win the race was laughable.
ridiculous

Appropriate when something is very silly or unreasonable, often to the point of being laughable or deserving mockery. It can have a negative connotation.

  • His ridiculous outfit drew a lot of laughter.
  • The rules they imposed were simply ridiculous.
absurd

Employed when describing something that is extremely unreasonable, illogical, or just plain crazy. Tends to convey a stronger sense of disbelief.

  • The suggestion that we live without electricity is absurd.
  • It would be absurd to continue this project without more funding.
comical

Best used when something is humorous in a light-hearted or charming way. It often implies that the situation is amusing rather than offensive.

  • The sight of him trying to juggle was comical.
  • Her exaggerated facial expressions were quite comical.

Examples of usage

  • The idea of a cat learning to play the piano is laughable.
  • His attempt at a serious speech was so laughable that the audience burst into laughter.
Context #2 | Adjective

not serious

So ludicrous as to be amusing; amusingly absurd.

Synonyms

absurd, amusing, ridiculous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
laughable

Something so silly or inappropriate that it makes people laugh, usually unintentionally. Often used in situations where the subject fails to meet expectations.

  • The idea that he could complete the marathon without any training was laughable.
  • His excuse for being late was absolutely laughable.
amusing

Refers to something that is entertaining or causes someone to smile or laugh, often in a light-hearted, positive way.

  • She found his stories about travel quite amusing.
  • The comedian's performance was very amusing.
ridiculous

Describes something that deserves mockery or laughter because it is very foolish, often used in a more negative sense.

  • Wearing a coat in the middle of summer is just ridiculous.
  • His demands for a higher salary were ridiculous.
absurd

Describes something that is wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate. Often highlights contradictory or extreme aspects of a situation.

  • The plan to build a bridge out of spaghetti was absurd.
  • It's absurd to think that aliens built the pyramids.

Examples of usage

  • His claim to be the world's best singer was laughable.
  • The excuses he gave were so laughable that no one believed him.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in comedy sketches and shows to describe scenes that are intentionally over-the-top or absurd.
  • Stand-up comedians frequently play on laughable scenarios, using relatable experiences to engage the audience in humor.
  • In films, laughable moments often become iconic, leading to famous catchphrases like those found in classic comedies.

Psychology

  • Humor theory suggests that finding something laughable can be a way our brains process incongruity, helping us understand unexpected outcomes.
  • Laughter releases endorphins, making people feel happier, and laughable situations often arise from relatable, everyday experiences.
  • Studies show that laughing at something considered laughable enhances social bonds and can lower stress.

Literature

  • The term is frequently used in literature to describe characters or situations that provoke laughter or ridicule, enhancing storytelling.
  • Writers like Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde utilized laughable elements for satire, critiquing society through humor.
  • In poetry, laughable moments can serve as a contrast to serious themes, adding depth and engagement for the reader.

Education

  • In teaching frameworks, using laughable scenarios can be an effective tool to maintain engagement and encourage creativity in students.
  • Games incorporating laughable elements can enhance learning experiences by making lessons memorable and enjoyable.
  • Teachers often share laughable anecdotes to build rapport with students, making the classroom a more relaxed environment.

Origin of 'laughable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'laugh,' which is believed to have roots in the Old English word 'hlaefian,' meaning to make noises expressing joy.
  • The suffix '-able' indicates something can happen or be done, so 'laughable' means it's capable of causing laughter.
  • In the 1500s, the term started to appear in English writings, originally used to describe absurd situations.

The word 'laughable' originated from the Middle English word 'laughen', meaning 'to laugh', combined with the suffix '-able', which forms adjectives indicating the capacity or worthiness of being laughed at. The term has been used since the 16th century to describe something that is deserving of laughter or derision.

See also: laugh, laughably, laughs, laughter.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,262, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.