B2adjective2K

Comic

UK /["/ˈkɒmɪk/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːmɪk/"]/

Definition

humorous and making you laugh

In simple words: A funny story or picture usually in a magazine or book.

Examples

  • a comic monologue/story
  • The play is both comic and tragic.
  • She can always be relied on to provide **comic relief** *(= something to make you laugh)* at a boring party.
  • He wore a red nose and novelty glasses for comic effect.
  • a blackly comic futuristic fantasy
  • a comic opera
  • a very fine comic actor
  • Charlie Chaplin was a comic genius.

Usage notes

Use 'comic' when referring to humorous content in written or graphic form. Typically used in casual conversation but can be used in discussions about literature or art. Avoid using it in formal academic contexts where more specific terms may be appropriate.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'comic' as a 'comical' story that makes you laugh.

Collocations

  • be
  • richly
  • truly
  • wonderfully

Synonyms

  • humor
  • cartoon
  • strip
  • graphic novel

Antonyms

  • serious
  • grave

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'comics', which refers to the genre or multiple works.
  • Using 'comic' exclusively for humorous content, neglecting its artistic format.
  • Incorrectly pluralizing it as 'comics' when referring to a single item.