Humour: meaning, definitions and examples

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humour

[ˈhjuːmər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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

amusement, comedy, fun, wit.

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. He has a great sense of humour. The humour in the movie kept the audience laughing.
comedy	Typically refers to a genre of entertainment that aims to make people laugh, such as movies, TV shows, or stand-up performances. We watched a comedy show last night. She loves comedy films.
fun	Describes something that is entertaining and enjoyable. Often used in casual contexts and can be applied broadly. We had so much fun at the beach. The party was great fun.
amusement	Used when referring to something that provides entertainment or causes someone to laugh or smile. Often describes a feeling or state of being. The children watched the clown with great amusement. Her stories always fill me with amusement.
wit	Refers to the ability to use words in a clever and humorous way. Often describes a quick and inventive verbal humor. He is known for his sharp wit. Her wit made the conversation enjoyable.

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.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

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
humour	In another context, this word can also mean using comedy or jokes to make others laugh. His humour always brightens up the room. She has a great sense of humour and makes everyone laugh.
indulge	Use 'indulge' when letting someone do or have something they enjoy, often more than is good for them. They indulged in a luxurious spa day on their vacation. It's important not to indulge the children too much, or they might become spoiled.
entertain	This word is appropriate when you are amusing or providing enjoyment to others, often during social gatherings or events. She loves to entertain guests with her cooking and stories. The comedian entertained the audience with his jokes.
accommodate	Use this word when you are making adjustments or providing what is needed for someone else's comfort or convenience. The hotel was able to accommodate all our special requests. They had to change their plans to accommodate the new schedule.
pamper	This word is good for situations where you are treating someone with extreme care and attention, making them feel very comfortable and special. She pampered her mother with a full day at the beauty salon. On her birthday, they pampered her with breakfast in bed and a day of relaxation.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'humour' comes from the Latin word 'umor,' meaning 'moisture' or 'fluid,' which was believed to affect human health and personality.
In ancient medicine, the balance of four humours (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile) was thought to determine one’s temperament and sense of humour.
The modern spelling 'humour' is mainly used in British English, while 'humor' is used in American English and came into common use during the 18th century.

Cultural Significance

Different cultures have their own unique types of humour; for instance, British humour often includes irony and sarcasm, while American humour tends to be more direct and slapstick.
Comedy festivals around the world showcase various comedic styles, proving that laughter is indeed a universal language.
Social media has transformed modern humour, with memes and viral videos becoming popular ways for people to share and create laughter across different platforms.

Psychology

Humour is linked to psychological well-being; it can reduce stress and improve mood, making it an important tool for mental health.
Studies show that a good sense of humour can enhance social connections and improve relationships due to its ability to create bonding experiences.
The ability to find humour in challenging situations is associated with resilience, helping individuals cope with adversity.

Literature

Humour has played a crucial role in literature, from the satirical works of Jonathan Swift to the comedic novels of authors like P.G. Wodehouse.
Shakespeare frequently used humour in his plays, often through puns and character interactions, to engage audiences and provide comic relief.
In modern literature, humour is often blended with other genres, such as magical realism and social commentary, enhancing storytelling.

Science

Research indicates that laughter triggers the release of endorphins, promoting feelings of happiness and reducing physical pain.
The 'Benign Violation Theory' suggests that humour arises when something is wrong or threatening, but is simultaneously perceived as benign, allowing for laughter.
There are studies focused on the neural basis of humour, showing how different brain areas are activated when understanding or producing jokes.

Translations

Translations of the word "humour" in other languages:

🇵🇹 humor

🇮🇳 हास्य

🇩🇪 Humor

🇮🇩 humor

🇺🇦 гумор

🇵🇱 humor

🇯🇵 ユーモア

🇫🇷 humour

🇪🇸 humor

🇹🇷 mizah

🇰🇷 유머

🇸🇦 دعابة

🇨🇿 humor

🇸🇰 humor

🇨🇳 幽默

🇸🇮 humor

🇮🇸 húmor

🇰🇿 әзіл

🇬🇪 იუმორი

🇦🇿 yumor

🇲🇽 humor

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
...