Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Anna had laughed at the idea, saying it felt more like something you do when you're a hundred.
From BBC ● May 2, 2025
Milan director Paolo Maldini had laughed off suggestions midweek that Pioli’s job could be on the line, just eight months after leading the team to its first Serie A title in 11 years.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 29, 2023
One first-year UF student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity so as not to affect her school performance, said her classmates had laughed off the email as “so silly” and “out of the blue.”
From Washington Post ● Jan. 20, 2023
Depp said, she told him the attorney had been rude and had laughed at her after she insisted her husband knew nothing about the legal papers she was being shown.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 20, 2022
To which Dad always had laughed and said that he’d get on that.
From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman
