laughter - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
laughter Word Meanings
- the act of laughing
- a sound made when amused
- a feeling of joy expressed vocally
laughter Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
laughter Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈlɑːftə/
US
/ˈlæftər/
laughter Word Etymology
The word 'laughter' comes from Old English 'hleahtor', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic 'khlaiwaz', meaning 'to laugh'. Imagine a group of friends sharing a joke around a campfire, their laughter ringing out into the night.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean in, a small shift in my mood as laughter drifts from the screen. I watch a joke land, and I push air out, letting the grin grow into a full smile that lifts my chest. I adjust my posture, hold the moment for a breath, and let the sound travel from my throat to the room. The feeling settles like warmth, and I keep the moment with me, not as a rule but as a tiny, shared spark.
Real Context
Laughter is a universal human reaction to humor, relief, or shared joy. It can be a quick burst of sound or a longer, contagious chorus that spreads through a room. In everyday speech, laughter ranges from a soft chuckle to a loud guffaw, and it can signal friendliness, relief, or playful teasing. People often laugh to ease tension, connect with others, or celebrate good news. The word itself traces back to Old English and Proto-Germanic roots, but the act is timeless, appearing in every culture and language as a social glue that bonds people during moments of lightheartedness.
Usage Reminders
- Remember that laughter is a noun, not a verb; you say laughter rather than a laughter.
- Use phrases like burst into laughter or let out a laugh to show the action.
- Laughter can express warmth, relief, or playfulness depending on context.
- It is common to describe a room or group as filled with laughter.
- In formal writing, prefer neutral descriptions of reaction rather than slang or exaggeration.
Common Misconceptions
- Laughter is only about jokes; it can express relief or social bonding.
- Laughter always signals positive feelings; it can be nervous or mocking.
- Laughter is the same in all cultures; different languages have different expressions.
- Laughter is always loud; volume varies widely.
- People say 'a laughter' as a countable noun; the common form is simply 'laughter'.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often treat laughter as a social signal that can convey warmth, irony, or irony as well as happiness, with many fixed phrases like burst into laughter that learners should memorize.
Learning Tips
- Listen for context to distinguish between a chuckle, a giggle, and a roar of laughter.
- Practice using burst into laughter with different subjects to convey intensity.
- Note collocations like laughter fills the room and contagious laughter.
- Record yourself reading dialogues to hear if the tone matches the scene.
- Compare formal vs informal contexts to choose neutral language.
- Learn 6 common phrases: laugh, smile, giggle, chortle, snicker, snort to expand nuance.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'laughter'?
A.A sound made by animals
B.A feeling of sadness
C.A small insect
D.A type of fruit
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'laughter' used correctly?
A.The teacher scolded the student for laughing.
B.He stumbled and broke into a laughter.
C.The room was filled with silence and laughter.
D.She cried tears of laughter at the comedy show.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym for 'laughter'?
A.Grief
B.Joy
C.Anger
D.Fear
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'laughter'?
A.Shouting
B.Whisper
C.Sobbing
D.Subdued
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context might you hear the word 'laughter'?
A.At a funeral
B.During a stand-up comedy show
C.In a library
D.During a court trial
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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