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Glite Dictionary
mirthlessly

mirthlessly

1 7.8
In a way that shows no real joy or amusement
  • adverb
  • /ˈmɜrθləsli/
translation icon : sin alegría
  • "His mirthlessly delivered remarks left the audience feeling uncomfortable and confused."
  • laughed mirthlessly
  • smiled mirthlessly
  • chuckled mirthlessly

Examples

  • "I'm sure it's not what you think," Stallings laughed mirthlessly.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • "I'll bet your wife is special in her own way," Pete laughed mirthlessly.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • "Just dreams," laughed Emma mirthlessly.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • He smiled mirthlessly as he pulled on a clean shirt.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • She looked up to see Dragoneyes grinning mirthlessly down at her.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • Then he chuckled mirthlessly.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • "Klara laughed mirthlessly.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • Perrin laughed mirthlessly.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • "I told a joke, but he just responded mirthlessly, showing no amusement at all."

  • "Even during the celebration, she spoke mirthlessly, as if nothing could bring her joy."

Synonyms

humorlessly
vsmirthlessly
  • US
1 6.8

Without smiling or laughing at things meant to be funny

covers lack of joy and genuine happiness beyond just no amusement
unsmilingly
vsmirthlessly
1 6.7

In a way that looks serious and not happy

expresses an inner absence of joy and genuine happiness, not only facial lack
joylessly
vsmirthlessly
5.8

In a way that shows no happiness or pleasure

includes absence of amusement and true happiness, not only low happiness
uncheerfully
vsmirthlessly
6.7

In a way that shows you are not happy

is used when there is no amusement or true happiness specifically
cheerlessly
vsmirthlessly
6.5

In a sad, tired way with little energy

focuses on lacking joy and amusement rather than general gloom

Antonyms

cheerfully
34 1.0

In a happy, friendly way that shows you want to help

joyfully
11 1.1

In a very happy way that shows delight

gaily
5 5.2

In a cheerful, lively way that shows happiness

How Joyful

joyfully
11 1.1
cheerfully
34 1.0
mirthlessly
1 7.8
morosely
2 7.2

Surface Forms

mirthlessly positive

Morphology

mirthlessly = mirthless (transparent) = mirth + less + ly

The adverb is a straightforward derivation from the adjective 'mirthless' by adding the productive adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Etymology

Mirthlessly comes from mirth ('joy'), the same idea you see in the word merry, plus the ending -lessly which means 'without'. So to act mirthlessly is to do something 'without joy', like a laugh that shows no real happiness.