risibility

[riz-uh-bil-i-tee]

noun

plural

risibilities 

1. Often risibilities. the ability or disposition to laugh; humorous awareness of the ridiculous and absurd.

2. laughter.

risibility

/ ˌrɪzɪˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. a tendency to laugh

2. hilarity; laughter

Word History and Origins

Origin of risibility¹

From the Late Latin word rīsibilitās, dating back to 1610–20. See risible, -ity

Example Sentences

His great talent was to take tiny grains of information in reports and proposals, repackage them as official European policy and present them as part of a broad narrative about Brussels’ risibility.

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What is the difference — in fact, and in risibility — between a hobo and a bum?

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His light-heartedness and risibility were often assumed to hide bitter resentment or boiling indignation.

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With much effort, the risibility of the jokers was kept in subjection through the meal.

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Another roar of laughter from Smithers and his friends succeeded this confession, and the perpetrators of the practical joke indulged their risibilities to the full; evidently congratulating themselves upon the success of their plans.

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