Humored Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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humored

[ˈhjuːmərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

have humor

Humored refers to the state of being entertained or amused. It often describes a person's demeanor or emotional state when they find something funny or enjoyable. In literature and conversation, a humored individual may display laughter or positivity that enriches social interactions. This term can also describe someone's reaction to a situation that is light-hearted or comical.

Synonyms

amused, cheerful, delighted, entertained, jovial.

Examples of usage

  • She had a humored expression during the comedy show.
  • His humored remarks lightened the mood in the meeting.
  • The humored audience laughed at the joke.
  • They were all humored by his antics.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that humor can act as a coping mechanism during stressful situations, helping people deal with anxiety and fear.
  • An understanding of humor is linked to social intelligence; people who get jokes often read social cues better.
  • Laughter releases endorphins, which can enhance mood and improve overall well-being.

Pop Culture

  • Comedy television shows have exploded in popularity, showcasing humor in daily life, with shows like 'Friends' and 'The Office' gaining massive followings.
  • Stand-up comedy has become a prominent form of entertainment, with comedians using humor to address social issues and share personal experiences.
  • The world-famous comic strip 'Peanuts,' created by Charles Schulz, features characters like Charlie Brown and Snoopy that explore the lighter side of everyday life.

Literature

  • Humor is a powerful storytelling tool, evident in works from Mark Twain's witty social commentary to Jane Austen's humorous observations of 19th-century society.
  • Satire, a genre combining humor and criticism, features strongly in literature, allowing authors to comment on politics and social issues, exemplified by Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal.'
  • In children's literature, humor often plays a key role in engaging young readers, seen in works like Roald Dahl’s 'The BFG' and 'Matilda.'

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique humor styles; for example, British humor often relies on irony and dry wit, while American humor favors more direct and slapstick approaches.
  • Physical comedy, such as clowning or mime, transcends language barriers, illustrating how body language can evoke laughter across cultures.
  • Humor serves as a bonding tool in many societies, often utilized in rituals and celebrations to create camaraderie and shared experiences.

Origin of 'humored'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'humor' originates from the Latin word 'humor,' meaning fluid, which led to a historical connection between body fluids and moods.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially referring to bodily fluids thought to affect temperament.
  • By the 17th century, 'humor' began to shift towards meaning a person's disposition or character, specifically their capacity to appreciate the funny.

The word 'humored' originates from the Latin word 'humor', meaning fluid or moisture. In ancient times, it was believed that human health and emotions were governed by four bodily fluids or 'humors': blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. These humors were thought to influence temperament; for example, an abundance of blood was linked to a sanguine, cheerful disposition, while excess black bile was associated with melancholy. The transformation of 'humor' into the meaning of mood or disposition occurred in Middle Ages, where it began to encompass the notion of an individual's character or attitude, particularly regarding their level of amusement. By the 17th century, the word had taken on a more modern sense related to wit and comedy, leading to the usage of 'humored' to describe someone who exhibits or responds positively to humor.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,342, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.