In this weekly post, we bring more useful content from the Macmillan Dictionary to English language learners. These tips are based on areas of English (e.g. spelling, grammar, collocation, synonyms, etc) which learners often find difficult. This week’s tip is about different ways of saying that someone or something is funny.
amusing fairly funny, in a way that makes you smile: Eddie was full of jokes and amusing stories.
humorous used for describing stories or remarks that are meant to be funny: a humorous account of his years in professional football
comical or comic funny and silly or strange: The way we met was quite comical.
hilarious very funny, in a way that makes you laugh: Some people find his comedy routines strange, but I think they’re hilarious.
witty used for describing remarks that are funny and clever, or people who often make this kind of remark: She tried to think of something original and witty to say … a witty, intelligent, and affable man
light-hearted fairly funny and meant to entertain people: used especially when the subject you are talking about is usually considered in a serious way: a light-hearted look at the week’s events
jokey meant to make people laugh: She found his jokey comments annoying.
hysterical (spoken) extremely funny, in a way that makes people laugh a lot: He didn’t have a clue what was going on, and we all thought it was hysterical.
priceless (mainly spoken) extremely funny: James, you really are priceless!
wry funny and clever: The programme was full of wry observations about married life.
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