downright hysterical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downright hysterical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely funny or absurd, often in a humorous context. Example: "The comedian's latest routine was downright hysterical, leaving the audience in stitches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Comic, lively, downright hysterical at times, Newsies is a great time for young and old alike.

Huffington Post

Sure, some of these spoofs are just plain wrong but some aren't just funny, they're downright hysterical, not to mention thought provoking.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Par usual the party featured some downright adorable and hysterical canine costumes.

Huffington Post

These complaints range from fair critiques over some botched implementations, hysterical nonsense and downright lies.

The Economist

Johnson did not stop there in his attack on Britain's chief ally, also laying into Obama for "downright hypocrisy" and guarding US sovereignty with "hysterical jealousy" in not forcing the American embassy in London to pay the congestion charges, while urging Britain to hand over money to the EU.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Hysterical laughter).

Independent

Downright Stengelian.

The New York Times - Sports

Downright unAmerican?

The Economist

Hysterical, actually.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pretty hysterical too.

The New York Times

They were called hysterical.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "downright hysterical" to describe situations or events that are not only funny but also somewhat out of control or absurd in their humor. It's stronger than simply saying something is "funny".

Common error

Avoid using "downright hysterical" too frequently, as its strong emphasis can lose its impact if overused. Reserve it for truly exceptional instances of humor or absurdity to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downright hysterical" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to express a high degree of amusement and absurdity. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing something extremely funny. It intensifies the adjective "hysterical" with "downright", indicating a strong emotional response.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "downright hysterical" is a grammatically correct compound adjective used to describe something exceptionally funny or absurd. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. As the phrase suggests, the expression is generally classified as having neutral to slightly informal register and meant to emphasize humor. For more formal settings, alternatives like "thoroughly amusing" or "exceptionally comical" might be more appropriate. When used sparingly, "downright hysterical" can effectively communicate a strong sense of amusement and absurdity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly hilarious

Replaces "downright" with "utterly" for emphasis, slightly changing the tone while maintaining the meaning.

genuinely sidesplitting

Highlights the intense physical reaction (sides splitting) to the humor, suggesting a very strong comedic effect.

absolutely riotous

Substitutes both words for synonyms that emphasize the chaotic and joyful nature of the humor.

unreservedly funny

Emphasizes the lack of hesitation in finding something funny, suggesting a universally amusing quality.

simply killing

An idiomatic expression suggesting that something is extremely funny and effective in eliciting laughter.

thoroughly amusing

Offers a more formal and less intense alternative, focusing on the pleasant aspect of the humor.

exceptionally comical

A more formal alternative that stresses the high degree of comicality in the subject.

completely absurd

Shifts the focus from humor to the ridiculousness of the situation, suitable when the humor arises from the absurdity itself.

remarkably ludicrous

Focuses on the bizarre or incongruous nature of something, implying that it is laughably so.

plain funny

Reduces the intensity, offering a simpler and more straightforward way to describe something amusing.

FAQs

How can I use "downright hysterical" in a sentence?

You can use "downright hysterical" to describe something extremely funny or absurd. For example, "The comedian's routine was "downright hysterical", leaving the audience in stitches."

What are some alternatives to "downright hysterical"?

Alternatives include "utterly hilarious", "absolutely riotous", or "completely absurd" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "downright hysterical" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "downright hysterical" is more suited for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "thoroughly amusing" or "exceptionally comical".

What's the difference between "downright hysterical" and "simply funny"?

"Downright hysterical" implies a higher degree of amusement and absurdity than "plain funny". It suggests that something is not only funny but also somewhat out of control or ridiculous in its humor.