Definition of Laugh
Quick Meaning of Laugh
To make happy sounds and face movements when something is funny.
Detailed Definition of Laugh
To make sounds and facial movements that show you find something funny or amusing.
How to Pronounce Laugh
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: /læf/ rhymes with 'half' and 'staff'. The 'gh' is silent. One syllable with short /æ/ vowel.
Watch out: Some learners pronounce it /lɔːf/ like 'law'; it should be /læf/ with short 'a'.
Origin and Etymology of Laugh
From Old English 'hlæhhan'; originally imitative of laughter sounds.
How to Use Laugh in a Sentence
Each example shows “laugh” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The children laughed when they saw the funny cartoon.”
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“She laughed at the joke during the party.”
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“The audience laughed throughout the comedy show.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Laugh
Common Synonyms for Laugh
Smart Synonyms for Laugh — When to Use Each
- chuckle
- for quiet, gentle, restrained laughter
- giggle
- for light, nervous, or nervous high-pitched laughter
- guffaw
- for loud, hearty, uncontrolled laughter
Antonyms of Laugh
Common Collocations with Laugh
These phrases pair with “laugh” in everyday English:
- laugh at
- laugh with
- laugh out loud
- laugh together
- make someone laugh
Common Mistakes When Using Laugh
Even fluent speakers slip up with “laugh”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He was laughed when he heard the joke.
- ✓ Correct: He laughed when he heard the joke.
- Why: Use active voice 'laughed', not passive 'was laughed' (which is ungrammatical).
- ✗ Wrong: They laughing at the funny video.
- ✓ Correct: They are laughing at the funny video.
- Why: Use the auxiliary verb 'are' with the gerund '-ing' form.
Words Confused With Laugh
- Laugh vs Laughter: Laugh is the verb (action); laughter is the noun (the sound/response).
Other Forms of Laugh
Frequently Asked Questions About Laugh
What is the meaning of "Laugh"?
To make happy sounds and face movements when something is funny.
How do you pronounce "Laugh"?
The IPA is /læf/. /læf/ rhymes with 'half' and 'staff'. The 'gh' is silent. One syllable with short /æ/ vowel.
What part of speech is "Laugh"?
"Laugh" is a verb at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Laugh"?
Common synonyms include chuckle, giggle, guffaw.
How do you use "Laugh" in a sentence?
For example: "The children laughed when they saw the funny cartoon."