Laugh Meaning
Laugh Definition & Usage
To make a sound, often loud and involuntary, in response to something funny or amusing. Laughter is usually a vocal response involving the mouth, throat, and diaphragm, and is often accompanied by physical gestures like smiling.
Examples
- "She couldn't stop laughing at the comedian's joke."
- "The children were laughing as they played in the snow."
- "He laughed so hard, he nearly cried."
- "They all laughed at the absurdity of the situation."
- "It was a laugh-out-loud moment when the puppy chased its tail."
To laugh in a way that expresses scorn, derision, or superiority over others. This type of laughter can be used to belittle or humiliate.
Examples
- "He laughed at the idea of doing chores on the weekend."
- "The bully laughed mockingly when the smaller boy tripped."
- "She laughed derisively at his attempt to fix the car."
- "Some people laughed at the proposal, thinking it was ridiculous."
- "Don't laugh at her; she's trying her best."
The vocal sound or physical action of laughing, especially when loud and spontaneous. It can be a sign of happiness, enjoyment, or sometimes nervousness or embarrassment.
Examples
- "Her laugh was contagious, making everyone in the room chuckle."
- "We heard a laugh from the other side of the room and knew it was a joke."
- "His deep laugh could be heard from across the street."
- "The party was filled with laughter, music, and joy."
- "After hearing the news, she let out a loud laugh of disbelief."
Cultural Context
Laughter is universally recognized as a sign of happiness, amusement, and social bonding. In many cultures, sharing a laugh is seen as a way to connect with others, and it is often used in social rituals and entertainment. Laughter has also been studied in psychology, where it is understood as a response to humor, social interaction, and even stress relief.
The Unexpected Laughter
Story
The Unexpected Laughter
It was a chilly autumn evening when Maya sat in the crowded cafe, sipping her hot chocolate. She had been feeling the weight of the week pressing on her shoulders—late deadlines, an endless to-do list, and a meeting that had not gone well earlier. Just as she stirred her drink absentmindedly, a loud burst of laughter broke through the hum of conversation around her. She looked over and saw two children at a nearby table, laughing uncontrollably at a funny video on a phone. Their laughter was so infectious that it caught Maya off guard, and before she knew it, a smile spread across her face. She even chuckled to herself, remembering a time when she used to laugh like that, carefree and without a care in the world. Maya's laughter was short-lived, however. As she returned her attention to the table, she overheard a conversation at the next booth. One woman was mocking another’s dress, laughing in a high-pitched, dismissive tone. Maya couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable as she overheard the laughter filled with scorn. The contrast between the genuine, joyful laugh of the children and the mocking tone of the woman reminded her that laughter could be both a source of joy and a weapon of ridicule. Later, as Maya walked home, she passed a group of friends laughing together. The sound was a mix of genuine enjoyment and camaraderie, a reminder of the importance of laughter in her own friendships. That evening, Maya decided to take a break from her busy life and invited her friends over. They spent hours laughing over old memories, jokes, and shared experiences. It was a reminder that sometimes, laughter was the best therapy for a weary soul.
