Hilarious
hɪˈlɛəriəs
Definitions
Causing or characterized by loud amusement and laughter.
hɪˈlɛəriəs
Extremely funny; causing loud laughter.
The clown's performance was hilarious, and the children couldn't stop giggling.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're watching a stand-up comedian who's so funny you can't stop laughing. That's hilarious! Like when your friend tells a joke that makes your stomach hurt from laughing.
👶 For kids: Something that makes you laugh a lot is hilarious! Like when you see a funny cartoon!
More Examples
Her attempts to bake a cake were hilariously unsuccessful, but we loved watching her try.
The sitcom's writing team did a hilarious job with the latest episode.
I found the movie hilariously bad.
How It's Used
"The comedian's routine was absolutely hilarious."
"The movie received rave reviews, with critics calling it 'a hilarious romp'."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
laughing stock
A person or thing that is the object of ridicule or amusement.
"He became the laughing stock of the office after his embarrassing mistake."
From Latin *hilaris* meaning "cheerful, merry," related to Greek *hilaros*. The suffix "-ious" indicates a state or quality.
The word 'hilarious' started appearing in English literature in the early 17th century, initially meaning 'pertaining to or characterized by mirth or merriment'.
Memory tip
Think of a hill where you're laughing so much it's causing a riot. HILARIOUS!
Word Origin
"cheerful, merry"