adjective / noun
comic
KAH-mik/ˈkɑːmɪk/
Intended to amuse through humor.
The inside-out umbrella creates a comic moment for its surprised owner.
Etymology
Comicus meant “of comedy”: comic originally identified the dramatic kind opposed to tragedy. It later described something designed to raise laughter, shifting from a genre label to an intended amusing effect.
In context
small parts written around a single visual joke. She was never given a role that asked her to act rather than to loom. For tall women, the available slots were comic giantess, prison matron, or nothing.
More examples
- Her comic timing makes even a simple greeting funny.
- The play offers comic relief between its tense scenes.
- Two local comics perform at the club tonight.
Forms
comic · comics
comically adverb — In a funny or amusing way.
comedy noun — Entertainment intended to make people laugh.