What does risibly mean?
Rcibly is an adverb meaning in a way that causes or invites laughter, usually with a strong suggestion of ridicule. It is often used to comment on conduct, speech, writing, or an argument that appears absurd, incompetent, or incapable of being taken seriously. The word has a formal, literary character and commonly carries a disapproving tone: describing a performance as risibly bad implies that it is so bad as to provoke laughter. Although the laughter itself may be comic, the word is usually intended to criticize rather than simply entertain. It works especially well when the humorous quality of something is obvious and the speaker wants to emphasize its absurdity or impropriety. In less formal use, the closely related adjective risible may convey much of the same idea.
adverbIn a manner that invites or causes laughter, often with the implication that something is absurd or deserving of ridicule.
- In a way that invites laughter or ridicule, especially because something is perceived as absurd.
"The witness behaved so risibly that the proceedings were repeatedly interrupted by laughter."
"His attempt to disguise his voice was almost risibly unsuccessful."
"She pointed out, rather risibly, that the entire argument rested on a misprint."
Risible comes straight from a Latin word meaning “laughable,” turning mockery into part of its definition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does risibly come from?
Risible was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective risible. Risible derives from Latin risibilis, meaning “laughable,” which is connected with Latin risus, “laughter,” ultimately from ridere, “to laugh.” The same Latin root also underlies English words such as ridiculous.
How risibly is actually used
Chiefly literary and generally disapproving; it often suggests that the laughter is deserved because the subject is absurd or ridiculous.
Easily confused with risibly
Risible is an adjective meaning capable of causing laughter, whereas risibly is the adverb describing how laughter or ridicule is expressed.