Definition

In a way that shows laughter or amusement, often used to indicate that something is funny or not taken seriously.

Example

She laughed at the joke laughingly, enjoying every moment of the humor.

Conversation

Did you hear the joke about the chicken and the road?

Yeah, I laughingly told it to my brother yesterday!

What did he say?

He just rolled his eyes and laughingly replied, 'Not again!'

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Laughingly → It is formed from "laugh" (from Old English "hlæhhan", meaning to express joy or amusement) and "-ingly" (a suffix used to form adverbs indicating manner). The word "laughingly" means in a manner that expresses joy or amusement.

Memory Tip

Think of expressing joy or amusement ('laugh') in a certain way ('-ingly') — that's why laughingly means doing something in a joyful or amused manner.

Visually Confused Words