What does the phrasal verb “laugh off” mean?

What are the definitions of “laugh off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Pretend something ( an injury, news, etc. ) isn't important.

  He LAUGHED OFF the sprained finger but it obviously affected his golf game.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb laugh off is to pretend that something, such as an injury or bad news, is not important or not a big deal. People often use this phrase when they want to downplay a situation or make light of it.

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

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

Example

She tried to laugh off the embarrassing situation.

Example

He laughs off his mistakes during the presentation.

Example

They are laughing off the rumors about their relationship.

Example

I laughed off the pain in my leg, but it got worse later.

Example

The awkward moment was laughed off by everyone in the room.

What kind of phrasal verb is “laugh off”?

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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 off” 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 off the embarrassing situation.

Example

He laughed off the rumors about his past.

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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 off” 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 off the embarrassing situation.

Example

He laughed off the rumors about his past.

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

Laugh off an injury

Pretend that an injury is not serious or painful.

Example

He laughed off the sprained ankle, but he was limping the whole day.

Laugh off a mistake

Pretend that a mistake or error is not a big deal.

Example

She laughed off the typo in her report, but she was secretly embarrassed.

Laugh off a rumor

Pretend that a rumor or gossip is not important or true.

Example

They laughed off the rumors about their breakup, insisting they were still together.

Good things to know

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

Laugh off is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be suitable for very formal settings, where a more formal synonym like 'dismiss' or 'downplay' might be more appropriate.

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

Synonyms

• dismiss
• downplay
• ignore
• belittle
• trivialize
• shrug off
• brush off
• make light of

Antonyms

• emphasize
• highlight
• acknowledge
• address
• stress
• take seriously
• focus on
• worry about