ENGLISH
REFERENCE

comic

n. · adj.
US //ˈkɑmɪk// UK //kˈɒmɪk// com·ic
  1. 1 a book with pictures (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a magazine or book that tells a story through a series of drawings.

    a publication consisting of sequential art, typically featuring speech bubbles and captions to convey a narrative.

    Example

    He bought a new superhero comic at the shop this morning.

    Example

    The collector spent years searching for the original comic that introduced the iconic villain to the series.

    • graphic novel
    • comic book
  2. 2 a funny person (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    a person whose job is to make people laugh, like a comedian.

    a professional entertainer or comedian who performs humorous material.

    Example

    The comic told several jokes that made the whole audience laugh.

    Example

    The club features a different stand-up comic every Saturday night to ensure the routine remains fresh for regular patrons.

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  1. 3 funny or amusing (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    making you laugh or feel amused.

    causing laughter or amusement; humorous in nature or intent.

    Example

    The movie had a comic scene where the dog tried to cook dinner.

    Example

    The playwright masterfully balanced the tragic elements of the plot with moments of comic relief to prevent the atmosphere from becoming too heavy.

  2. 4 relating to comedy (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Theatre

    connected to the style of comedy in books, plays, or films.

    pertaining to the genre of comedy as a literary or dramatic form.

    Example

    She is a talented comic actress who has won many awards.

    Example

    The professor discussed the evolution of comic timing in early twentieth-century silent cinema during the lecture.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.

Origin

From Latin comicus, from Ancient Greek κωμικός (kōmikós, “relating to comedy”), from κῶμος (kômos, “carousal”).

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