hilar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The word hilar is a verb in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/hilar/

Translation Options into English

• to laugh
• to amuse
• to entertain

Meaning and Usage

The verb hilar generally means "to laugh" in a lively or hearty manner. It can be used in various contexts, typically to express amusement or joy. In terms of frequency, hilar is relatively common in both oral speech and written contexts, though it is more frequently encountered in informal conversations.

Example Sentences

1. Siempre me hace hilar con sus chistes.

2. She always makes me laugh with her jokes.

3. No pude evitar hilar al ver esa película cómica.

4. I couldn't help but laugh watching that comedy movie.

5. Su forma de contar historias hace que todos hilaran.

6. His way of telling stories makes everyone laugh.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word hilar is less commonly used in idiomatic expressions compared to other verbs related to laughter, but it can still appear in a few phrases that convey amusement.

1. Hilar hasta llorar - to laugh until crying.

2. Estaba tan gracioso que todos hilaron hasta llorar.

   • It was so funny that everyone laughed until they cried.

3. Hilar en voz alta - to laugh out loud.

4. No pude evitar hilar en voz alta con su comentario ingenioso.

   • I couldn't help but laugh out loud at his witty remark.

5. Hilar con ganas - to laugh heartily.

6. La broma fue tan buena que todos hilaron con ganas.
   • The joke was so good that everyone laughed heartily.

Etymology

The verb hilar comes from the Latin "hilaris," meaning cheerful or merry, which in turn is derived from "hilarare," meaning to make cheerful or to rejoice. This shows a linguistic evolution from Latin to modern Spanish while retaining implications of laughter and joy.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: reír (to laugh), sonreír (to smile), divertirse (to have fun).
• Antonyms: llorar (to cry), estar serio (to be serious), enfadarse (to get angry).

This detailed examination of the word hilar highlights its meaning, usage, and connections within the Spanish language.