What does the phrasal verb “laugh at” mean?

What are the definitions of “laugh at”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Find something funny or amusing.

  He’s always been able to laugh at danger.

• 2. To mock or ridicule someone.

  I always felt as though people were laughing at me behind my back.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “laugh at”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb laugh at is to find something funny or amusing. It means that you are laughing because of something or someone, often in a positive way.

What are the different verb forms of “laugh at”?

Root Verb	laugh at
Third Person Singular Present	laughs at
Present Participle	laughing at
Simple Past	laughed at
Past Participle	laughed at

Example

We laugh at funny jokes.

Example

She laughs at her friend's silly stories.

Example

He is laughing at the funny movie.

Example

Yesterday, they laughed at the comedian's performance.

Example

The joke was laughed at by everyone in the room.

What kind of phrasal verb is “laugh at”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“laugh at” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She laughed at the funny video.

Example

He laughed at the comedian's jokes.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“laugh at” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She laughed at the funny video.

Example

He laughed at the comedian's jokes.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “laugh at”?

Laugh at oneself

To be able to find humor in one's own mistakes or shortcomings.

Example

It's important to be able to laugh at yourself and not take life too seriously.

Laugh at someone's expense

To make fun of someone or ridicule them, often causing embarrassment or discomfort.

Example

It's not nice to laugh at someone's expense; it can hurt their feelings.

Laugh off

To dismiss something as unimportant or not serious, often by laughing.

Example

She laughed off the criticism, saying it didn't bother her.

Good things to know

Does “laugh at” have an informal or formal tone?

Laugh at is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal contexts, depending on the specific situation.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “laugh at”?

Synonyms

• mock
• ridicule
• giggle at
• chuckle at
• guffaw at
• snicker at
• tease

Antonyms

• praise
• respect
• admire
• honor
• commend
• applaud