German

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Etymology

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From Middle High German lecherlich. Equivalent to lachen +‎ -er- +‎ -lich.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈlɛçɐlɪç/
  • Audio:(file)

Adjective

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lächerlich (strong nominative masculine singular lächerlicher, comparative lächerlicher, superlative am lächerlichsten)

  1. ridiculous, risible, laughable
    Synonym: lachhaft

Usage notes

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  • The German word is also used as an intensifier, but only with things that the speaker considers either insignificant or unreasonable, not in an approving or praising tone (as is sometimes the case with ridiculous in informal English).

Declension

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Derived terms

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Further reading

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