Laughing Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈlæfɪŋ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of expressing joy, amusement, or playfulness through vocalizations, typically characterized by an audible, often contagious, and infectious sound.

Examples

• The children’s laughing filled the playground.
• Her laughing was contagious, and soon everyone in the room was smiling.

Synonyms

• Laughter
• Jubilation
• Merriment

Antonyms

• Silence
• Quiet
• Solemnity

Additional Information

Laughing is a universal language that can bring people together and create a sense of community. It has been shown to have numerous physical and mental health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety. Laughing can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, such as humor, tickling, or playful interactions. In many cultures, laughing is an important aspect of social bonding and is often used as a way to diffuse tension and build relationships. It is also a natural response to joy, excitement, and celebration. Laughing can take many forms, from a subtle chuckle to a loud, uncontrollable guffaw. It can be expressed in different ways, such as through facial expressions, body language, and vocalizations.

Etymology

The word “laughing” originates from the Old English word “hlæfan,” which means “to laugh” or “to make merry.” Over time, the word evolved through Middle English to its modern form.

Usage Notes

Laughing can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to formal writing. It can be used to describe a range of emotions, from amusement to joy. When using the word, consider the tone and context to ensure that it is conveyed appropriately.

Cultural References

Laughing has been featured in numerous films, literature, and music. In the movie “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” the characters’ excessive laughing became a hallmark of the show. In literature, authors like Joyce and Dickens often used laughing to characterize their characters. In music, songs like “Laughing” by The Guess Who and “Laughter” by The Beatles celebrate the joy of laughing.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Laughing all the way to the bank
• Laughing out loud (LOL)
• Dying laughing

Related Words or Phrases

• Joyfulness
• Merriment
• Jubilation

Collocations

• Laughing fit
• Laughing stock
• Laughing matters

Frequency of Use

Laughing is a relatively common word in modern language, with a frequency of use of around 0.05% in written English.

Common Misspellings

• Laffing
• Laffin
• Laufing