laugh
laugh
Pronunciation
Laugh
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /lɑːf/ (Received Pronunciation - British English) or /læf/ (General American)
For /lɑːf/ (Received Pronunciation - 1 syllable):
/l/ as in "light" (voiced alveolar lateral approximant)
/ɑː/ as in "father" (open back unrounded vowel)
/f/ as in "fan" (voiceless labiodental fricative)
For /læf/ (General American - 1 syllable):
/l/ as in "light" (voiced alveolar lateral approximant)
/æ/ as in "cat" (short low front unrounded vowel)
/f/ as in "fan" (voiceless labiodental fricative)
Word Form Variations
Verb:
Base form: laugh
Past tense: laughed
Past participle: laughed
Present participle: laughing
Third-person singular present: laughs
Noun:
Singular: laugh
Plural: laughs
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
To make the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that express mirth, amusement, pleasure, or scorn. This typically involves an outward expulsion of air and vocalization.
Synonyms: chuckle, giggle, titter, cackle, roar (with laughter), guffaw, chortle, snicker
Antonyms: cry, weep, sob, frown, scowl, mourn
To express something with laughter, or in a way that suggests amusement, scorn, or ridicule.
Synonyms: mock, ridicule, scoff, jeer, sneer, deride
Antonyms: praise, applaud, commend, respect, honor
(Figurative, often with "at") To treat something lightly or dismissively, sometimes due to a lack of seriousness or a sense of defiance towards difficulty.
Synonyms: dismiss, shrug off, make light of, scorn, defy
Antonyms: take seriously, respect, fear, dread
Noun
An act or sound of laughing; the sound produced when one laughs.
Synonyms: chuckle, giggle, cackle, guffaw, roar (of laughter), titter
Antonyms: cry, sob, wail, lament
(Informal) Something that causes laughter or amusement; a source of fun.
Synonyms: joke, jest, amusement, fun, entertainment, riot (informal)
Antonyms: bore, drag, tragedy, sadness, dullness
Examples of Use
Books:
"Her sudden, joyous laugh echoed through the quiet library, drawing curious glances." (From a fictional novel, generic example, referring to the sound)
"He often found himself reminiscing about childhood pranks that would make him laugh until his sides ached." (From a memoir or nostalgic narrative, generic example)
"The book details techniques for using humor to diffuse tension and encourage audiences to laugh at their own foibles." (From a non-fiction guide on public speaking or psychology, generic example)
Newspapers:
"The comedian's sharp wit drew a continuous stream of laughs from the delighted audience." (From an entertainment review, generic example, referring to instances of laughter)
"Economists are warning that the latest figures are no laughing matter, but some analysts simply laugh at the doomsayers." (From a business or opinion piece, generic example, referring to dismissing lightly)
"The political cartoon aimed to make readers laugh at the absurdity of current events." (From an editorial cartoon caption)
Online Publications:
"Watch: Try not to laugh challenge – the funniest animal videos compiled." (From a viral video compilation on YouTube or a humor site, e.g., BuzzFeed)
"The internet erupted in laughs over the politician's gaffe during the live debate." (From a social media commentary or news site, generic example, referring to widespread amusement)
"The science of laughter: Why do we laugh and what are its health benefits?" (From a science or health blog, e.g., Psychology Today Online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I like to make people laugh." (Dialogue from a comedic film, generic example)
Television Series: "She let out a hearty laugh, a sound that always brightened the room." (Scene description or dialogue in a sitcom or drama)
Music (Song Lyrics): "Smile an everlasting smile, a smile can bring you near to me." (This classic song lyric from "Everlasting Love" by Robert Knight doesn't contain "laugh." I will replace it with a more fitting example.) -> "You make me laugh when I'm feeling down." (From a pop or love song)
Video Games: "The jester NPC would laugh maniacally after every riddle, whether you got it right or wrong." (In-game character behavior)
Podcasts: "Our guest today shares anecdotes from her stand-up career, aiming to make us all laugh." (From a comedy or interview podcast)
General Public Discourse:
"That joke always makes me laugh." (Common personal statement)
"Did you hear that loud laugh from the next room?" (Common observation)
"He just made me laugh so hard I cried." (Common expression of intense amusement)
"Don't laugh at her; she's trying her best." (Common admonition)
"It's all fun and laughs until someone gets hurt." (Common idiom, often a warning)
10 Famous Quotes Using Laugh
"The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter." — Mark Twain
"I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh." — Audrey Hepburn
"To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain and play with it." — Charlie Chaplin
"Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone." — Anthony Burgess
"You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing." — George Bernard Shaw
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." — Charlie Chaplin
"The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed." — Bennett Cerf
"Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand." — Mark Twain
"Laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live." — Johnny Depp
"If you can make a woman laugh, you can make her do anything." — Marilyn Monroe
Etymology
The word "laugh" has a very old and interesting origin, stemming from an imitative sound – it's believed the word itself tries to mimic the sound of laughter!
It comes from the Proto-Germanic word *klakhjan (this is a reconstructed word, meaning linguists have inferred its existence). This ancient word is thought to be onomatopoeic, meaning it was formed to sound like the noise it describes. You can see similar-sounding words for "laugh" in other Germanic languages like German ("lachen") and Dutch ("lachen").
This Proto-Germanic root then evolved into the Old English verb "hlæhhan" (or sometimes "hliehhan" or "hlihhan"). In Old English, the "gh" sound was likely pronounced much harder, similar to the "ch" in the Scottish word "loch" or the "ch" in German "lachen," a guttural sound. Over centuries, this pronunciation shifted in English to the modern "f" sound, but the "gh" spelling remained, which is why it looks a bit unusual today.
So, the first known use and meaning of "laugh" in English (from its Old English form) dates back to before 900 AD, and it already referred to the act of making the characteristic sounds and movements to express mirth, amusement, or derision. The noun form, referring to the sound itself, came into use a bit later, in the late 16th century.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Laugh
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "laugh," supplemented as needed:
Laugh out loud (LOL): To laugh audibly and heartily; commonly used as an internet acronym.
Laughing stock: A person or thing subjected to ridicule or laughter from others.
Have the last laugh: To ultimately be victorious or proven right after being underestimated or mocked.
Laugh all the way to the bank: To make a lot of money, especially easily or deceptively.
Laugh something off: To dismiss something embarrassing or difficult by treating it humorously.
Laugh in someone's face: To show open contempt or defiance.
It's no laughing matter: Something is serious and should not be treated lightly.
For laughs: For amusement; not seriously.
A belly laugh: A deep, hearty laugh.
A good laugh: A humorous moment or event that causes much amusement.
Bust a gut laughing: To laugh extremely hard. (Informal idiom)
Roll on the floor laughing (ROFL): To laugh uncontrollably. (Internet acronym/idiom)
Chuckle softly: To laugh quietly. (Original phrase, emphasizing a type of laugh)
Splits one's sides: To laugh excessively. (Informal idiom)
Giggle uncontrollably: To laugh in a light, silly, or nervous way. (Original phrase, emphasizing a type of laugh)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of laugh from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
