hilarious
Definitions
Extremely funny; causing loud, helpless laughter
令人捧腹的，非常滑稽的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedhilar (cheerful, from Greek hilaros) + -ious (full of) = "full of cheer." English intensified it: not just cheerful but so funny you can't stop laughing — the strongest everyday word for "funny."
Root hilar still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
- Spelling/pronunciation trap: one l, stress on the second syllable — hi-LAR-ious /hɪˈleəriəs/. Don't double the l.
- It's already an extreme word, so avoid "very hilarious"; use "absolutely hilarious" or "truly hilarious" for emphasis.
- Don't confuse with exhilarating: hilarious = makes you laugh; exhilarating = makes you thrilled and energized.
Example Sentences
- 1.
His impression of the boss was absolutely hilarious.
- 2.
We watched a hilarious comedy that had everyone in tears.
- 3.
It wasn't supposed to be funny, but the typo was hilarious.
Easily Confused
hilarious vs funny vs amusing — funny is the neutral default; amusing is mild, often a quiet smile; hilarious is the top of the scale, helpless laughter. A meeting can be amusing, a joke funny, but only something truly side-splitting is hilarious.