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Humorous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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humorous

[หˆhjuหmษ™rษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in a conversation

causing amusement or laughter; funny.

Synonyms

amusing, comical, funny, jocular, lighthearted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
humorous

This word is suitable for describing something that elicits a gentle smile or chuckle. It's often used in contexts where wit or cleverness is involved.

  • Her humorous anecdotes kept everyone entertained during the meeting
funny

A general term for something that makes you laugh. It can be positive, neutral, or negative depending on the tone and context.

  • That joke was really funny! It had everyone in stitches
amusing

Use this word when something is enjoyable and brings pleasure. It's often light and not very serious.

  • I found the story rather amusing and couldn't stop laughing
comical

This word describes something that is meant to be funny in a silly or absurd way. It's often used in a positive or neutral context, but can sometimes imply that something is ridiculous.

  • His comical expressions had the entire audience roaring with laughter
jocular

This word is used to describe someone or something that is joking or playful. It often carries a light, friendly tone.

  • He has a jocular personality and is always teasing his friends
lighthearted

This word is used to describe a mood or situation that is carefree, cheerful, and without serious intent. It instills a relaxed and happy feeling.

  • We spent a lighthearted afternoon at the park, playing games and enjoying each other's company

Examples of usage

  • She has a great sense of humor and is always making us laugh.
  • The comedian's humorous jokes had the audience in stitches.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Laughter, often triggered by humorous content, can reduce stress and improve mental health.
  • A sense of humor is linked to creativity and cognitive flexibility, allowing people to approach situations differently.
  • Humor helps in social bonding by creating shared experiences and easing tensions in group settings.

Pop Culture

  • Stand-up comedy has become a prominent form of humor in modern entertainment, with many comedians addressing societal issues through jokes.
  • Various TV shows like 'Friends' and 'The Office' use humor to explore everyday situations, making them relatable to viewers.
  • Memes on social media have turned everyday situations into humorous viral content, showing how humor evolves with technology.

Literature

  • Humorous literature has roots in ancient texts, from Shakespeare's clever wordplay to Moliรจre's comedies that critique society.
  • In modern times, authors like Douglas Adams created worlds filled with absurdity and wit, blending humor with science fiction.
  • Childrenโ€™s literature often uses humor, like Roald Dahlโ€™s stories, to engage readers and impart moral lessons in a fun way.

Cultural Differences

  • What one culture finds humorous can differ greatly from another; for example, irony may be understood differently across cultures.
  • In some societies, humor can be a pathway for discussing taboo topics, providing a safe space for critical commentary.
  • Different types of humor exist worldwide, such as British dry humor versus American slapstick, highlighting diverse ways of sharing jokes.

Origin of 'humorous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'humor', which meant 'moisture' but evolved to represent the mood of a person.
  • In the past, it was believed that four bodily fluids influenced emotions: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. The right balance was supposed to make one humorous.
  • By the late 17th century, 'humor' started to be associated specifically with witty or funny behavior.

The word 'humorous' originated from the Latin word 'humor' meaning 'mood' or 'temperament'. It evolved in Middle English to refer to the quality of being full of humor or jest. Over time, it came to describe something that is funny or amusing, often in a light-hearted or playful way.

See also: humorist, humorously, humorousness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,232, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.