What is hilarious? Pronunciation and usage in English

hilarious means . Learn how to pronounce and use hilarious through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of hilarious

hilariousadjective

/hɪˈleəriəs//hɪˈleriəs/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hilarious" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • hi-: Sounds like "high" - as in, a tall mountain.
  • -lar-: This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "lahr" – think of the word "larger." The 'r' is a rolled 'r', which is common in American English.
  • -ous: Sounds like "us" – as in, “us” as a person.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word sounds something like this: HI-lahr-us

3. Rolling the 'R' (Important for American English):

  • This is key! To roll your 'r', try to vibrate your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Imagine you're gargling slightly. You don't need to create a loud sound, just a subtle vibration. If you can't roll your 'r' perfectly, don't worry too much – many people soften it.

4. Here's a breakdown of the sounds visually:

  • hi - /haɪ/ (like "high")
  • lar - /lɑːr/ (the 'ɑː' is a broad 'a' sound – think of 'father')
  • us - /ʌs/ (like "us")

5. Listen to Examples:

  • Google it: Search "how to pronounce hilarious" on Google and listen to the audio examples. Multiple sources will show you different pronunciations, but they will all be similar to the above.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/hilarious/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.

Tips:

  • Focus on the "lahr" part: Really emphasize that syllable.
  • Practice slowly: Don't rush it initially.
  • Record yourself: Listen back to see how you sound and identify areas for improvement.

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you some practice sentences using the word "hilarious"?

Usage and examples with the word hilarious in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hilarious" effectively in English.

1. What it Means:

"Hilarious" means extremely funny. It describes something that makes you laugh a lot. It's a strong word, so it's best used when something is genuinely very funny.

2. How to Use It – Different Ways:

  • As an Adjective (describing something): This is the most common way to use it.

    • Example 1: "That comedian was absolutely hilarious!" (Describing the comedian's performance)
    • Example 2: "The movie was so hilarious; I was crying with laughter." (Describing the movie)
    • Example 3: "Her stories are always hilarious – she has a great sense of humor." (Describing her stories)

  • As an Exclamation (expressing amusement): You can use it to show you're finding something funny.

    • Example 1: "That was hilarious! I can’t stop laughing."
    • Example 2: “Oh my gosh, hilarious!” (Reacting to a funny situation)

3. Variations & Similar Words:

  • Very funny: A milder alternative. “That was a very funny story.”
  • Side-splitting: A more emphatic way of saying “hilarious.” "The joke was side-splitting!"
  • Laugh-out-loud funny: Describes something that makes you laugh so hard you can’t contain it.
  • Comic: If something is genuinely humorous and often funny. "That's a really comic situation."

4. Things to Consider:

  • Tone: “Hilarious” can sometimes sound a little overused, especially in very casual contexts. Consider your audience and the situation.
  • Specificity: While "hilarious" is good, sometimes adding a little more detail about why something is funny can make your description even stronger. For instance, "That was hilarious because of the absurd timing!"

5. Examples in Sentences (Illustrating Usage):

  • "The kids were hilarious during the game – constantly slipping and falling!"
  • "I watched a hilarious YouTube video about a cat trying to catch a laser pointer."
  • "The host's opening monologue was so hilarious that the entire audience was roaring with laughter."
  • “You’re hilarious! Telling me that after everything!” (Expressing amusement at a witty comeback)

Resources for More Examples:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples in specific situations (e.g., describing a person, an event)?
  • Help you practice using "hilarious" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word hilarious

Practice with vocabulary hilarious

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The comedian's timing and delivery were impeccable, making every punchline absolutely __________.
  2. Despite the tension of the negotiation, her unexpected comment about the misplaced document was utterly __________, breaking the ice immediately.
  3. The professor's lecture, while informative, was punctuated by several rather __________ anecdotes that kept the students engaged.
  4. His suggestion to fund the project with bake sales was so out of touch that it was simply __________.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes a play that has the audience roaring with uncontrollable laughter from start to finish? a) Solemn b) Melancholy c) Hilarious d) Thought-provoking

  2. If a colleague tells a story during a team meeting that is incredibly funny and brings tears of laughter to everyone's eyes, how might you describe it? (Select all that apply) a) Mundane b) Hilarious c) Comical d) Tedious

  3. The graphic designer's new concept, featuring cartoon mascots performing ballet, was so unexpectedly absurd that it was considered __________. a) Profound b) Hilarious c) Conventional d) Somber

  4. Her brief, clever remarks during the Q&A session were always quite __________. a) Dull b) Ponderous c) Droll d) Vapid

  5. The company's new policy, which required employees to wear oversized novelty hats on Fridays, was widely regarded as __________. a) Pragmatic b) Sensible c) Ludicrous d) Essential

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence: The comedian's routine was so funny that it made everyone laugh very hard throughout the entire show.
  2. Rewrite the sentence: During the team-building exercise, John's clumsy attempt at the obstacle course caused a great deal of amusement among his colleagues.
  3. Rewrite the sentence: His suggestion to redecorate the office in a neon-pink theme was incredibly foolish and made no practical sense.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. hilarious
  2. hilarious
  3. amusing
  4. ridiculous

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Hilarious
  2. b) Hilarious, c) Comical
  3. b) Hilarious
  4. c) Droll
  5. c) Ludicrous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The comedian's routine was absolutely hilarious, keeping the audience in stitches throughout the entire show.
  2. John's clumsy attempt at the obstacle course during the team-building exercise was absolutely hilarious to his colleagues.
  3. His suggestion to redecorate the office in a neon-pink theme was utterly preposterous and made no practical sense.

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