Funny vs Hilarious

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

	Funny	Hilarious
Meaning	causing laughter or amusement	Very funny; something that makes you laugh a lot.
CEFR level	A1	B2
Part of speech	adjective	adjective
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.	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: Funny vs Hilarious

What's the difference between "Funny" and "Hilarious"?

"Funny" means: causing laughter or amusement "Hilarious" means: Very funny; something that makes you laugh a lot.

When should I use "Funny" and "Hilarious"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Funny" and "Hilarious" the same CEFR level?

"Funny" is at A1, "Hilarious" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.