Humour: meaning, definitions and examples
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humour
[ หhjuหmษr ]
sense of amusement
Humour is the ability to find things funny, the way people react to things that make them laugh, or the ways in which different cultures find things amusing. It is a quality that makes something amusing or entertaining.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
humour |
Refers to the quality of being funny or entertaining. Suitable for describing someone's sense of fun or the funny aspect of something.
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comedy |
Typically refers to a genre of entertainment that aims to make people laugh, such as movies, TV shows, or stand-up performances.
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fun |
Describes something that is entertaining and enjoyable. Often used in casual contexts and can be applied broadly.
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amusement |
Used when referring to something that provides entertainment or causes someone to laugh or smile. Often describes a feeling or state of being.
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wit |
Refers to the ability to use words in a clever and humorous way. Often describes a quick and inventive verbal humor.
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Examples of usage
- He has a great sense of humour and always makes me laugh.
- British humour is known for being dry and sarcastic.
- She enjoys watching stand-up comedy because she appreciates clever humour.
to amuse or entertain
To humour someone means to indulge, entertain, or agree with them, especially when you do not necessarily want to do so. It can also mean to adapt to someone's mood or whim in order to keep them content.
Synonyms
accommodate, entertain, indulge, pamper.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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humour |
In another context, this word can also mean using comedy or jokes to make others laugh.
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indulge |
Use 'indulge' when letting someone do or have something they enjoy, often more than is good for them.
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entertain |
This word is appropriate when you are amusing or providing enjoyment to others, often during social gatherings or events.
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accommodate |
Use this word when you are making adjustments or providing what is needed for someone else's comfort or convenience.
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pamper |
This word is good for situations where you are treating someone with extreme care and attention, making them feel very comfortable and special.
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Examples of usage
- She humoured her little sister by playing dress-up with her.
- The boss humoured his employee's strange request to work from home.
Translations
Translations of the word "humour" in other languages:
๐ต๐น humor
๐ฎ๐ณ เคนเคพเคธเฅเคฏ
๐ฉ๐ช Humor
๐ฎ๐ฉ humor
๐บ๐ฆ ะณัะผะพั
๐ต๐ฑ humor
๐ฏ๐ต ใฆใผใขใข
๐ซ๐ท humour
๐ช๐ธ humor
๐น๐ท mizah
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ๋จธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฏุนุงุจุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ humor
๐ธ๐ฐ humor
๐จ๐ณ ๅนฝ้ป
๐ธ๐ฎ humor
๐ฎ๐ธ hรบmor
๐ฐ๐ฟ ำะทัะป
๐ฌ๐ช แแฃแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ yumor
๐ฒ๐ฝ humor
Etymology
The word 'humour' originated from the Old French 'umor', which came from the Latin 'umorem' meaning 'moisture' or 'fluid'. In medieval times, it was believed that a balance of four bodily fluids or 'humours' (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) determined a person's temperament and health. Over time, the word evolved to represent a person's disposition or temperament, eventually leading to its modern meaning of amusement or the ability to find things funny.
Word Frequency Rank
At #7,330 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
- 7327 rupture
- 7328 demographic
- 7329 sustaining
- 7330 humour
- 7331 token
- 7332 fantasy
- 7333 surety
- ...