jolly laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

"jolly laughter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it in a sentence such as: "The music from the party echoed out into the night, accompanied by hearty jolly laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Two women, who went to school together, meeting after an interval of years, will always greet each other with jolly laughter.

The New Yorker

But it perfectly captures the lingering resonating I feel beneath the bustle of commerce on the crowded city streets, the pretty sparkling lights, tinny tunes, smell of evergreens, and jolly laughter surrounding me.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Many festival-goers hated being flogged into laughter by ceaseless jolly music and lavatorial jokes; others found it more than picaresque.

The Economist

Smiling faces, a jolly jingle, and live audience laughter totally transform one of TV's most violent programs into a family-friendly sitcom filled with sage advice and perfectly-timed puns.

Huffington Post

There was a great eruption of laughter, more caustic than jolly.

The New Yorker

"She was the family's Shirley Temple, if you will, the little elf and a little jolly girl, bringing everyone in the family ceaseless laughter," he said, speaking through an interpreter.

BBC

Today, laughter is a thriving, if not notably jolly, field of study whose members are scattered across the academic spectrum, from literature and history to linguistics and neuroscience.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, after simultaneously greeting each other with the words, "I've got good news!" one night after work this week (he went first, she promptly collapsed with laughter), things in the Frayn/Tomalin household have been rather jolly.

The Guardian - Books

Jolly good, jolly good.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jolly justice.

The New Yorker

Jolly sensitive.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jolly laughter" to evoke a sense of old-fashioned merriment, particularly when describing scenes reminiscent of classic literature or holiday gatherings.

Common error

Avoid using "jolly laughter" excessively in contemporary settings as it can sound anachronistic. Consider more modern alternatives like "hearty laughter" or "gleeful laughter" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jolly laughter" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying the noun "laughter" with the adjective "jolly". It characterizes the laughter as cheerful and good-humored. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jolly laughter" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe cheerful and lighthearted amusement. Ludwig indicates that it's correct and usable in English. While not overly common in contemporary speech, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, often to evoke a sense of traditional merriment. For modern contexts, alternatives like "hearty laughter" or "gleeful laughter" might be more fitting. When used, it paints a vivid picture of joyful interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hearty laughter

Emphasizes the loudness and enthusiasm of the laughter.

gleeful laughter

Highlights the happiness and delight associated with the laughter.

merry laughter

Focuses on the cheerful and festive nature of the laughter.

joyful laughter

Underscores the feeling of joy and happiness expressed through laughter.

boisterous laughter

Implies a more energetic and unrestrained form of laughter.

uproarious laughter

Suggests extremely loud and uncontrollable laughter.

infectious laughter

Describes laughter that spreads easily to others.

good-natured laughter

Indicates laughter that is friendly and without malice.

lighthearted laughter

Conveys a sense of carefree and happy laughter.

amused chuckles

A milder, quieter expression of amusement than full laughter.

FAQs

How can I use "jolly laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "jolly laughter" to describe a scene filled with happiness and lightheartedness, such as: "The sound of "jolly laughter" echoed through the hall during the Christmas party."

What are some alternatives to "jolly laughter"?

Alternatives include "hearty laughter", "gleeful laughter", or "merry laughter", each with slightly different nuances of joy and amusement.

What is the difference between "jolly laughter" and "hearty laughter"?

"Jolly laughter" suggests a more old-fashioned or festive type of amusement, while "hearty laughter" simply describes loud and enthusiastic laughter without specific connotations.

Is "jolly laughter" a common phrase in contemporary English?

While grammatically correct, "jolly laughter" is not as frequently used in modern English as other expressions of amusement. It is more common in contexts aiming to evoke a sense of tradition or nostalgia.