Meaning & use
comically
Last updated
Meanings
adverb
In a way that is funny or absurd, often unintentionally so.
Grammar: Usually modifies an adjective or verb, e.g. 'comically large', 'comically bad'.
Patterns
- comically large
- comically bad
- comically inept
He wore a comically large hat that kept falling over his eyes.
The team's attempt to fix the machine was comically unsuccessful.
She slipped on the ice in a comically awkward way.
adverb
In a manner intended to make people laugh; humorously.
Grammar: Can describe deliberate humor, but less common than the unintentional sense.
Patterns
- speak comically
- act comically
The actor comically exaggerated his accent for the role.
She comically pretended not to see him.
Common combinations
- comically exaggerated
- The villain had a comically exaggerated laugh.
- comically small
- The car looked comically small next to the truck.
- comically inept
- The thieves were comically inept and were caught immediately.
Synonyms and how they differ
- humorously
- Humorously often suggests deliberate wit; comically more often describes something absurd that makes people laugh without meaning to.
- farcically
- Farcically means in a way that is absurd like a farce; comically is broader and can be gentler.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: comically or comically vs comically?
comically vs comically vs comically
No common confusion; just remember the base adjective is 'comical', not 'comic' when you mean absurd.
Practice
The puppy looked ______ large next to the tiny kitten.
Choose one answer.
'Comically' is the adverb modifying the adjective 'large'. 'Comical' and 'comic' are adjectives and would need a noun, and 'comedy' is a noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “comically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.