What does it mean if something is “Laughable”?
There are so many awesome words that I never hear non native English speakers use. I really want to change that and teach you guys the good stuff. Make sure you actually use these words and don’t just “understand” them. If you don’t use it, there is not much point to learning it.
I’m going to talk about a word like “laughable“. You already know what it means to “laugh”. If you hear a native speaker use this word in context, you might even be able to guess the meaning. But… Can YOU use it? Do you? YOU SHOULD!
If something is “laughable” it means it’s so stupid and ridiculous that you can’t do anything but laugh at it. It’s not because it’s actually funny, it’s really closer to “pathetic”.
Here are some examples:
1. My new job offer was totally “laughable“. — That means, “The job offer (salary, commission, etc) was much lower and worse than I expected.
2. Those two have only been dating for 2 weeks and they are already talking about getting married? That’s such a “laughable” decision. — That means, “It is ridiculous and stupid for that new couple to be discussing marriage after only 2 weeks of dating”.
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July 28th, 2012 at 9:50 am
Hey guys, it’s a great expression of no where to learn except you guys. In my country there is a similar expression. I hope you understand it, depends how I explain it, lol ….. I do not know a laugh or cry.
July 28th, 2012 at 9:58 am
I started this job for more money but it was something else-I do not know to cry or laugh. Situations is pathetic
July 28th, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Hey guys! It is great that you are trying to help us on learning some original phrases which are actually can not be learnt by studying with laughable English learning books.
July 28th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
As soon as i was in the public office to apply for driver license, i realized that i had forgetten my ID at home, and no chance to apply because of this. I got really angry with myself and the situation was totally laughable.
August 5th, 2012 at 1:06 pm
You are so right. I studied English in Russia to become an English teacher, now I moved to the USA and I can tell how I do not use lots of words that I do understand when someone else says them. I guess for foreigners it’s all the time better to be on the safe side and use some neutral phrases because saying something extraordinary may put them in a “laughable” situation. Thanks a lot guys! Keep up the good work!
August 13th, 2012 at 11:28 pm
You are absolutely right. There are quite a few words that I only heard of them but never use them. The words are just not on my mind when I could use them. I think it may be due to that I do not really “understand” them.
August 20th, 2012 at 9:32 am
I just want to say, I love and appreciate your lessons so much! since I’m a college student in China and preparing my GRE test which is relatively formal, or say rigid, so I listen to your “fun english class” everyday on my iphone as a complement to my listening. I want to be a VIP member but I didn’t have a credit card…… I think i will get one for paying the VIP soon ^.^
wish you happy everyday!