Chortled

Chortled is a verb that describes a gleeful, soft, and suppressed laugh. It suggests a quiet, almost internal expression of amusement or delight, often triggered by something clever, witty, or slightly absurd. The sound is akin to a chuckle but implies a more genuine and deep-seated joy. The action of chortling is a relatively private reaction, often enjoyed by the individual themselves rather than shared out loud. It can also signify a degree of smugness or self-satisfaction in the instance of one's private humor.

Chortled meaning with examples

• Reading the pun, she chortled to herself, shaking her head at the author's playful use of language. It was the perfect response to the ridiculous situation she found herself in at work. It brought a sense of peace and a sense of amusement that seemed to permeate her whole body.
• After successfully completing the complex puzzle, the scientist chortled, delighted by the elegance of her solution. The discovery, after years of research, brought a great sense of relief as well as joy. A smile spread across his face and his eyes gleamed.
• As the cat chased its tail in circles, the little boy chortled, finding the clumsy display wildly entertaining. His mother laughed alongside him, taking delight in the shared amusement, making the memory that much more enjoyable.
• Upon hearing her friend's terrible joke, but knowing how much he'd been looking forward to telling it, she chortled softly, careful not to hurt his feelings. It was a gentle gesture to preserve his happiness without giving much away.
• The old man chortled as the wind blew the teenager's hat off, recognizing his own youthful impetuousness in the action. It was a shared sense of life and the absurdity that happens, connecting them across the generational gap.