Differences between laugh at and pick at
Laugh at means to find something funny and express amusement, often at the expense of someone or something. Pick at means to repeatedly touch or pull at something, often in a critical or negative way.
Meanings and Definitions: laugh at vs pick at
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Laugh at
- 1Find something funny or amusing.
He’s always been able to laugh at danger.
- 2To mock or ridicule someone.
I always felt as though people were laughing at me behind my back.
Pick at
- 1Eat unwillingly.
I wasn't very hungry so I just PICKED AT my food.
- 2Criticise.
There were a few problems that could be PICKED AT, but it was generally good.
Usage Examples: laugh at, pick at in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
laugh at
Example
We laugh at funny jokes.
Example
She laughs at her friend's silly stories.
pick at
Example
She always picks at her food when she's not feeling well.
Example
He picks at his meal when he's not in the mood to eat.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Laugh at
crack up
To burst out laughing or find something extremely funny.
Example
The comedian's jokes made the audience crack up and laugh uncontrollably.
giggle about
To laugh quietly or in a silly way about something.
Example
The group of friends couldn't stop giggling about the embarrassing moment they witnessed earlier.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick at
To criticize or find fault with small or insignificant details.
Example
He always nitpicks about the way I organize my desk, but it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things.
To express disapproval or find fault with someone or something.
Example
She criticized his outfit, saying that it didn't match and looked sloppy.
fault-find
To look for and point out flaws or mistakes in someone or something.
Example
Her boss was always fault-finding and never seemed satisfied with her work, no matter how hard she tried.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “laugh”
Phrasal Verbs with “pick”
Differences in laugh at vs pick at: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: laugh at or pick at?
In daily conversation, people use laugh at more often than pick at. This is because laugh at is used to express humor and enjoyment, which is a common part of social interactions. Pick at is not used as much, and when it is, it's usually in specific contexts like describing someone's behavior or habits.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of laugh at and pick at
Laugh at and pick at are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of laugh at and pick at
The tone of laugh at and pick at can differ based on context. Laugh at often carries a lighthearted and playful tone, while pick at typically has a critical or negative tone, especially when referring to someone's appearance or behavior.
