Comedy

/ˈkɒmədi/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase1 question

Definitions

1

A dramatic work that is intended to be humorous or amusing.

/ˈkɒmədi/

nounpositiveBeginner
General

A genre of entertainment

We went to see a comedy at the theater.

💡 Simply: Comedy is like a funny show or movie that makes you laugh! Think of silly characters and jokes.

👶 For kids: A funny movie or show!

More Examples

2

That sitcom is my favorite comedy.

How It's Used

Entertainment

"The play was a hilarious comedy."

Film

"She stars in a new romantic comedy."

Idioms & expressions

high comedy

Comedy that relies on wit and sophisticated humor rather than slapstick or physical humor.

"The play was considered high comedy, full of witty dialogue and clever wordplay."

From Old French *comedie, from Latin *comoedia, from Greek κωμῳδία (kōmōidía), from κῶμος (kōmos) 'revel, merrymaking' + ᾠδή (ōdḗ) 'song'.

The word 'comedy' has its roots in ancient Greece, where it referred to comedic plays performed during festivals.

Memory tip

Think 'com' for 'come' and 'edy' for 'ready' to laugh.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"revel, merrymaking + song"

Base: comedy
romantic comedydark comedysitcomstand-up comedy

Common misspellings

commedycomeddie

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written