A1adjective1K

Funny

UK /["/ˈfʌni/"]/US /["/ˈfʌni/"]/

Definition

making you laugh

In simple words: causing laughter or amusement

Examples

  • The clown at the circus was really funny, making everyone laugh.
  • She told a funny joke that made us all smile.
  • His funny faces always brighten my day.
  • The movie was funny, and I couldn't stop laughing.
  • It was a funny situation when the dog chased its own tail.

Usage notes

Use 'funny' to describe something that makes you laugh. It can be applied in both casual and slightly formal contexts but avoid using it in serious discussions.

Grammar pattern

funny + noun (e.g. funny joke)

Memory hint

Think of 'fun' in funny; if it's fun, it makes you laugh!

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • strange, peculiar
  • strange, peculiar

Antonyms

  • serious
  • boring
  • sad

Common mistakes

  • 'Funny' used as a noun when it should be an adjective.
  • Overusing 'funny' for things that are just odd or strange.
  • Confusing 'funny' with 'humorous' in formal writing.