Definition

Adverb: 1. In a manner that involves or is accompanied by laughter: Doing or saying something while laughing or in a light-hearted, amused way. 2. In a way that treats something as ridiculous or not to be taken seriously: Dismissing or referring to something with scorn or mockery.

Usage

The adverb "laughingly" describes how an action (typically speaking) is performed. It modifies verbs to indicate that the action is done with laughter or in a jesting manner. - It is often used with verbs like said, admitted, replied, referred to, dismissed. - It can convey genuine amusement or ironic dismissal.

Examples

• With genuine amusement:
  • "It was just a silly mistake," she said laughingly.
  • He laughingly recounted the embarrassing story from his childhood.
• With scorn or dismissal:
  • The proposal was laughingly dismissed by the committee.
  • She laughingly referred to his attempt as "ambitious."

Advanced Usage

• To indicate something is so extreme it is ridiculous: Often used to hyperbolically describe an unlikely or absurd situation.
  • The prices in that boutique are laughingly high. (The prices are so high they are ridiculous.)
• In a self-deprecating manner: Used when someone makes a light-hearted comment about themselves.
  • "I'm hardly an expert," he added laughingly.

Variants and Related Words

• Laughing (adj): Showing, characterized by, or causing laughter.
  • a laughing child
• Laugh (n/v): The sound or action of laughing.
  • She gave a hearty laugh. / The joke made everyone laugh.

Synonyms

• Amusedly: In an entertained or pleased manner.
• Mirthfully: With gleeful joy and laughter.
• Jokingly: In a humorous or teasing way; not seriously.
• Derisively: In a manner expressing contempt or ridicule.

Antonyms

• Solemnly: In a formal and serious manner.
• Soberly: In a serious, sensible, and solemn way.
• Gravely: In a serious or solemn manner.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To laugh something off: To dismiss something embarrassing or serious by making a joke of it.
  • He tried to laugh off the criticism.
• Laughing stock: A person or thing ridiculed by many people.
  • His error made him the laughing stock of the office.
• No laughing matter: Something serious that should not be joked about.
  • Climate change is no laughing matter.

Adverb

1. with laughter; while laughing
   • he told the story laughingly