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funny

adj.
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈfəni// UK //fˈʌni// fun·ny Archaic Dialect General-service Informal Vulgar

adj. making you laugh or smile. It can also describe something that feels strange, surprising, or hard to explain.

adj. causing laughter or amusement; alternatively, strange, suspicious, or difficult to explain. Often modified by degree adverbs like 'very' or 'quite'.


SIMPLE

That movie was so funny that I couldn't stop laughing.

CONTEXTUAL

The milk has a funny smell, so I think we should throw it away.

COMPLEX

While the comedian's routine was undeniably funny, some critics found his reliance on physical slapstick a bit repetitive for a modern audience.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From fun + -y.

Etymology 2

Perhaps a jocular use of funny. See above.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'smell'.

Pitfall

He is a very fun person; he tells great jokes.He is a very funny person; he tells great jokes.Learners often confuse 'fun' (enjoyable) with 'funny' (making you laugh).

Idioms7 entries

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