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Funniness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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funniness

[หˆfสŒnษชnษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sense of humor

The quality of being amusing or entertaining, especially when it comes to one's sense of humor. Funniness is often subjective and can vary from person to person.

Synonyms

amusement, entertainment, humor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
funniness

Describes the quality of being funny. Often used when talking about a joke, a comedian, or any content intended to provoke laughter.

  • The funniness of the comedianโ€™s routine was undeniable.
  • Critics praised the movie for its sheer funniness.
humor

Refers to the quality of being amusing or comic, especially as expressed in literature, speech, or performance. It can also describe a person's ability to find things funny.

  • Her sense of humor made her the life of the party.
  • The book is full of humor and wit.
amusement

Used when referring to something that provides enjoyment or pleasure, often in a lighthearted or moderate way.

  • She watched the children playing with great amusement.
  • His stories always bring a lot of amusement to our gatherings.
entertainment

Refers to activities or performances designed to provide enjoyment, typically on a larger scale like movies, shows, or concerts.

  • The concert provided excellent entertainment for everyone.
  • Television is a common source of entertainment for many households.

Examples of usage

  • He has a great sense of funniness, always making everyone laugh.
  • Her funniness shines through in her comedy sketches.
Context #2 | Noun

jokes

The ability to create or appreciate jokes, humor, or comedic situations. Funniness is essential for comedians and anyone involved in the comedy industry.

Synonyms

comedy, humor, wit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
funniness

This word is often used to describe the quality of being funny in a general sense. It can be related to various contexts like jokes, movies, or people's sense of humor.

  • The funniness of his jokes made everyone laugh.
  • She is known for her natural funniness.
comedy

Use this word when referring to a genre of entertainment, such as movies, TV shows, or plays that are designed to be funny. It can also refer to the humor in specific situations or performances.

  • We watched a comedy last night that was hilarious.
  • His performance in the comedy show was outstanding.
humor

Humor is a broader term that encompasses everything that makes people laugh. It can refer to a person's ability to be funny, a light-hearted approach to life, or the content of jokes, stories, and performances.

  • His humor is very dry and witty.
  • She has a great sense of humor that always lightens the mood.
wit

Wit refers to the keen intelligence and quickness in making clever and humorous remarks. It's often used in contexts where the humor is sharp, smart, and sometimes sarcastic.

  • His wit made the conversation very entertaining.
  • She is known for her sharp wit and clever comebacks.

Examples of usage

  • His funniness as a comedian has gained him a large following.
  • She never fails to deliver funniness in her stand-up routines.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Humor can benefit emotional well-being; it's linked to reduced stress and improved mood.
  • Laughter releases endorphins, the body's feel-good chemicals, making funniness a natural pain reliever.
  • Different cultures have varied senses of humor; what is funny in one culture may not be in another.

Pop Culture

  • Sitcoms and stand-up comedy often highlight the importance of timing and delivery in creating humor.
  • Memes and viral videos are modern forms of finding funniness in everyday situations, transformed into shareable content.
  • Funniness is a key factor in films earning a โ€˜comedyโ€™ label, with comedic timing influencing audience reception.

Literature

  • The use of wit and puns in literature dates back to Shakespeare, whose plays often included comedic elements.
  • Satire is a literary genre that uses humor to criticize or mock society, demonstrating the power of witty writing.
  • Comic relief in narratives provides levity in serious moments, enhancing the overall story while showcasing funniness.

Science

  • Studies show that humor can improve problem-solving skills by promoting a more relaxed state of mind.
  • Scientists have researched laughter as a social bonding activity that fosters group cohesion among individuals.
  • The neuroscience of laughter reveals it activates areas of the brain associated with reward, indicating its pleasurable nature.

Origin of 'funniness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'funny' originated in the early 19th century, coming from the word 'fun'.
  • Initially, 'funny' was used to describe something strange or odd, and its meaning evolved to imply humor.
  • The '-ness' suffix indicates a state or quality, transforming 'fun' into 'funniness' in the 20th century.

The word 'funniness' originated from the Middle English word 'funes', meaning 'foolish'. Over time, it evolved to describe the quality of being amusing or entertaining. Funniness is closely tied to humor and comedy, with its usage becoming more prevalent in modern times with the rise of stand-up comedy and comedic entertainment.

See also: funnyman.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,142, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.