Humoring: meaning, definitions and examples

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humoring

 

[ˈhjuːmərɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

lighthearted interaction

Humoring refers to the act of indulging someone’s humorous desires or whims, often to keep them happy or entertained. It can involve playing along with a joke, providing a sense of amusement, or accommodating someone's eccentric behavior. This term can also indicate a willingness to tolerate or go along with a person's irritating behaviors for the sake of maintaining peace or goodwill. Ultimately, humoring someone may not always indicate sincerity, but rather a strategy to avoid conflict or displeasure.

Synonyms

accommodating, entertaining, indulging, tolerating.

Examples of usage

  • She was humoring her friend by laughing at his jokes, even when they weren't funny.
  • He humored his child's imaginative stories to encourage their creativity.
  • The manager humored the team's ideas to boost morale, even if they were impractical.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'humor' comes from the Latin word 'humor,' meaning moisture; ancient doctors believed that body fluids affected a person's temperament.
  • In the 15th century, 'humoring' started to refer to the practice of accommodating others' moods or desires.
  • Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of making others laugh or feel good.

Psychology

  • Studies show that humor can strengthen social bonds and reduce stress in relationships.
  • Humoring someone can be a form of emotional support, helping individuals cope with difficult situations.
  • Research indicates that laughter releases endorphins, which improve mood and promote a sense of well-being.

Pop Culture

  • Many comedians use humor as a tool to critique society, often delivering serious messages while making audiences laugh.
  • Television shows, like 'Parks and Recreation,' explore the dynamics of relationships where characters often humor each other's quirks.
  • Children's cartoons frequently incorporate humor to engage young audiences and promote learning through laughter.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often use humor to navigate complex social situations, showcasing their intelligence and wit.
  • Authors like Mark Twain utilized humor to comment on societal norms and human behaviors in their narratives.
  • Various literary genres, including satire, rely heavily on humoring to provoke thought while entertaining readers.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique styles of humor, influencing how people connect and communicate with one another.
  • In some societies, humorous storytelling is a traditional form of entertainment and a means to convey moral lessons.
  • The way humor is expressed can vary greatly; what is funny in one culture may not resonate the same way in another.

Translations

Translations of the word "humoring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 humorando

🇮🇳 हास्यपूर्ण

🇩🇪 humorvoll

🇮🇩 humor

🇺🇦 гуморування

🇵🇱 humorowanie

🇯🇵 ユーモアを使う

🇫🇷 humoristique

🇪🇸 humorístico

🇹🇷 mizahi

🇰🇷 유머러스한

🇸🇦 مُضحِك

🇨🇿 humorování

🇸🇰 humorovanie

🇨🇳 幽默

🇸🇮 humoriranje

🇮🇸 húmor

🇰🇿 әзілдеу

🇬🇪 ხუმრობა

🇦🇿 humor

🇲🇽 humorístico

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,425, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.