How Do You Spell LAUGHTER?

Pronunciation: [lˈaftə] (IPA)

The word "laughter" is spelled with eight letters, but it has only three sounds. The first sound is /l/ which is pronounced as "luh". The second sound is /ɑː/ which is pronounced as "ah". And the last sound is /t/ which is pronounced as "tuh". This word derived from the Old English "hleahtor" and has retained its spelling despite changes in the English language over time. So, the next time you spell "laughter", remember its three distinct sounds: /luh-ah-tuh/.

LAUGHTER Meaning and Definition

  1. Laughter refers to the physiological response of human beings and some animals, characterized by audible sounds and facial expressions that indicate amusement, pleasure, amusement, or joy. It is a natural, instinctive reaction that involves a series of rapid, rhythmic contractions of the diaphragm, chest, larynx, and vocal cords resulting in distinctive vocal sounds. These sounds can vary from soft and subtle chuckles to loud and boisterous outbursts.

    Laughter often accompanies humor or comedy and is often triggered by something funny or amusing, such as jokes, amusing anecdotes, or comical situations. It serves as a form of communication, conveying a positive emotional state and fostering social bonds between individuals. Laughter is contagious and can spread within a group, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared enjoyment.

    Apart from its social function, laughter also offers various psychological and physiological benefits. It is known to reduce stress, tension, and anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which promote a sense of wellbeing and relaxation. Laughing can also improve cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and oxygenation, stimulate the immune system, and even alleviate pain. Additionally, laughter can enhance cognitive functions, including memory and problem-solving, as it increases mental alertness and creativity.

    Overall, laughter is a vital and universal human experience that brings joy, amusement, and numerous health benefits. It plays a significant role in human interaction, emotional expression, and overall well-being, and its effects can extend beyond the immediate moment, contributing to long-term health and happiness.

  2. An involuntary movement of the muscles of the face, and a peculiar expression of the eyes, accompanied with convulsive sounds more or less loud, indicating mirth or great satisfaction.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for LAUGHTER *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for LAUGHTER

Etymology of LAUGHTER

The word "laughter" originated from the Old English word "hleahtor", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hlahtraz". This term ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "kleu", which means "to hear", "to listen", or "to ponder". Over time, "hleahtor" evolved into "laughter" in Middle English, maintaining its original meaning of the sound and action of expressing amusement or joy.

Idioms with the word LAUGHTER

  • burst into song/tears/laughter The idiom "burst into song/tears/laughter" refers to the sudden and often uncontrollable expression of a strong emotion. It means to start singing, crying, or laughing suddenly and energetically, often in a spontaneous or unexpected manner.
  • dissolve into tears/laughter The idiom "dissolve into tears/laughter" refers to a situation where someone suddenly bursts into tears or laughter uncontrollably, usually due to strong emotions or an overwhelming sense of amusement. It implies a sudden, intense, and often unexpected emotional response that overtakes an individual, causing them to lose control of their composure.
  • laughter is the best medicine The idiom "laughter is the best medicine" means that laughter or humor has a positive effect on one's physical or mental health and can be beneficial in difficult or challenging situations. It suggests that humor and laughter can help alleviate stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. It implies that laughter can serve as a remedy or therapy when faced with hardships or discomforts.
  • be convulsed with laughter, rage, etc. The idiom "be convulsed with laughter, rage, etc." means to be extremely overcome or overwhelmed by a particular emotion, causing uncontrollable and intense physical reactions such as loud laughter, violent shaking, or extreme anger.
  • in fits (of laughter) The idiom "in fits (of laughter)" refers to a state of uncontrollable laughter or fits of hysterical amusement. It suggests that someone is laughing so hard that they are unable to control themselves and may experience outbursts of laughter at irregular intervals.
  • gales of laughter The idiom "gales of laughter" is used to describe a situation in which people are laughing very loudly and uncontrollably. It implies that the laughter is intense, powerful, and often accompanied by a sense of enjoyment and amusement.
  • split one's sides (with laughter) The idiom "split one's sides (with laughter)" means to laugh very hard, so much so that it feels as if one's sides are going to burst or break apart from excessive laughter.
  • double up (with laughter) The definition of the idiom "double up with laughter" is to laugh very heartily or uncontrollably, often bending forward at the waist or doubling over in laughter.
  • canned laughter The idiom "canned laughter" refers to pre-recorded laughter or applause that is played during a television or radio program to create the impression of a live audience reaction.
  • fall about with laughter The idiom "fall about with laughter" means to burst into uncontrollable laughter or to laugh very loudly and intensely.
  • shake with laughter The idiom "shake with laughter" means to laugh so intensely or uncontrollably that one's body visibly shakes or trembles with amusement. It implies extreme amusement or finding something incredibly funny.
  • fall about (laughing/with laughter) To laugh uncontrollably or very loudly.
  • split your sides (laughing/with laughter) To laugh very hard and loudly, usually to the point of feeling pain in your sides.

Similar spelling words for LAUGHTER

Plural form of LAUGHTER is LAUGHTERS

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