hilarious
UK: hɪˈleə.ri.əs | US: hɪˈler.i.əs
adj. extremely funny and causing loud laughter
adj. boisterously merry or cheerful
hilarious = hilar<cheerful> + ious<adjective suffix>
- hilar (from Latin hilaris, meaning "cheerful" or "merry")
- ious (a suffix forming adjectives, indicating "full of" or "characterized by")
Etymology Origin:
The word "hilarious" traces back to the Latin hilaris, meaning "cheerful," which itself derives from Greek hilaros (glad or merry). The suffix -ious was added in English to form an adjective meaning "full of cheerfulness." Over time, the meaning intensified to describe something so cheerful it provokes uncontrollable laughter. The evolution reflects a shift from general merriment to extreme humor.
The comedian's performance was absolutely hilarious—everyone was in stitches.
She told a hilarious story about her childhood that had us all laughing.
The movie's hilarious scenes made it a box-office hit.
His hilarious impersonation of the teacher went viral online.
We spent the evening sharing hilarious memories from our college days.