Humorous: meaning, definitions and examples

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humorous

 

[ ˈhjuːmərəs ]

Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

in a conversation

causing amusement or laughter; funny.

Synonyms

amusing, comical, funny, jocular, lighthearted.

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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

Translations of the word "humorous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 humorístico

🇮🇳 हास्यपूर्ण

🇩🇪 humorvoll

🇮🇩 humoris

🇺🇦 гумористичний

🇵🇱 humorystyczny

🇯🇵 ユーモラス

🇫🇷 humoristique

🇪🇸 humorístico

🇹🇷 mizahi

🇰🇷 유머러스한

🇸🇦 فكاهي

🇨🇿 humoristický

🇸🇰 humoristický

🇨🇳 幽默的

🇸🇮 humorističen

🇮🇸 gamansemi

🇰🇿 әзілқой

🇬🇪 იუმორისტული

🇦🇿 yumoristik

🇲🇽 humorístico

Etymology

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.