Cool MateAmusing vs Hilarious
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Amusing | Hilarious | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Fun or funny; able to make people laugh. | Very funny; something that makes you laugh a lot. |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use 'amusing' when something entertains you or provides humor. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but may sound slightly more sophisticated than simply saying something is 'funny'. | Use 'hilarious' to describe jokes, movies, or situations that are very funny. It fits well in both casual and formal contexts but might feel too strong for mild humor. |
Frequently asked questions: Amusing vs Hilarious
What's the difference between "Amusing" and "Hilarious"?
"Amusing" means: Fun or funny; able to make people laugh. "Hilarious" means: Very funny; something that makes you laugh a lot.
When should I use "Amusing" and "Hilarious"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Amusing" and "Hilarious" the same CEFR level?
"Amusing" is at B2, "Hilarious" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.