Humorless: meaning, definitions and examples

The word 'humorless' is derived from the term 'humor,' which originally referred to the four bodily fluids in ancient and medieval medicine that were believed to influence a person's temperament. The adjective 'humorless' emerged in the English language in the 18th century, combining 'humor' with the suffix '-less,' meaning 'without.' This formation indicates the absence of humor or the quality of being unable to convey or appreciate laughter and amusement. Over time, humor has evolved to represent more than just physical fluids—it encompasses the ability to appreciate jokes, wit, and the lighter side of life. As society has placed greater value on a sense of humor, the term 'humorless' has often been used to describe people who are overly serious or lack the social skills to engage in playful banter.

This word's position of #32,829 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32829 humorless
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