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Jest: meaning, definitions and examples

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jest

 

[dʒest ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

action

to be or exist

Synonyms

be, exist, live.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jest

Use this word when you are talking about making jokes or not taking something seriously. It often implies humor or playfulness.

  • He made a jest about the weather, saying it was warm enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk.
  • Don't take him seriously, he's just in jest.
be

Use this to talk about the existence or state of something or someone. It is a very basic and versatile word, suitable for various contexts.

  • I want to be a doctor when I grow up.
  • She seems to be happy with her new job.
exist

This is used for talking about the presence or reality of something more formally or philosophically. It often emphasizes the fact that something is there.

  • Some people believe that life exists on other planets.
  • Does true love really exist?
live

Use when talking about residing or continuing life in a certain way or place. It often implies ongoing action.

  • I live in New York City.
  • They try to live a healthy lifestyle by eating right and exercising.

Examples of usage

  • I am happy
  • She is a doctor
  • They are in the park
Context #2 | Noun

food

a type of food

Synonyms

dish, food, meal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jest

Used when making a joke or a light-hearted comment. It often serves to entertain or elicit laughter.

  • He told a funny jest at the party, and everyone laughed.
  • Don't take it seriously; it was just a jest.
food

Used to refer to anything that people or animals eat for nourishment. It is a general term without specifying a particular type or meal.

  • We need to buy food for the camping trip.
  • She enjoys making food for her family.
meal

Refers to the specific times when people eat, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It often consists of several dishes.

  • We have three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Sunday dinner is always a big meal with many dishes.
dish

Refers to a specific type of food prepared as part of a meal. It can also refer to the container in which the food is served.

  • My favorite dish is lasagna.
  • The chef prepared a delicious dish of grilled fish.

Examples of usage

  • I love eating pizza and pasta
  • Let's order some jest for lunch

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'jest' comes from the Old French 'geste', meaning a tale or exploit, showing how stories can be funny.
  • It was adopted into English in the late 14th century, where it began to mean a playful or silly remark.
  • Related words like 'jester' refer to entertainers in royal courts who performed humor to amuse others.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare’s works, characters often use jests to convey deeper truths, blending humor with insight.
  • The concept of jesting appears in various cultures, such as the role of jesters in medieval courts, who used comedy to entertain and sometimes mock their social superiors.
  • Modern authors continue to explore humor in writing, ensuring that jesting remains a relevant form of expression.

Psychology

  • Humor, including jesting, can help improve social connections and build rapport among individuals.
  • Psychological studies show that humor helps reduce stress and improve mood by releasing endorphins in the brain.
  • Engaging in jesting can also be a coping mechanism, allowing people to deal with challenging situations in a lighthearted way.

Pop Culture

  • Comedic performances, like stand-up comedy, rely heavily on jest as a fundamental element of their routines.
  • Television shows often feature witty dialogues that include jests, appealing to audiences with humor and clever wordplay.
  • The many memes and viral videos seen online today often depend on quick jests to make people laugh and share with others.

Philosophy

  • Some philosophical traditions view jesting as a way to question and challenge societal norms through humor.
  • Wit and jesting can be seen as forms of wisdom, allowing individuals to navigate complex ideas through lightheartedness.
  • Philosophers like Plato discussed the role of humor in human discourse, emphasizing its importance in persuasion and understanding.

Translations

Translations of the word "jest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 brincadeira

🇮🇳 मज़ाक

🇩🇪 Scherz

🇮🇩 lelucon

🇺🇦 жарт

🇵🇱 żart

🇯🇵 冗談 (じょうだん)

🇫🇷 plaisanterie

🇪🇸 broma

🇹🇷 şaka

🇰🇷 농담 (농담)

🇸🇦 مزحة

🇨🇿 vtip

🇸🇰 vtip

🇨🇳 玩笑 (玩笑)

🇸🇮 šala

🇮🇸 brandari

🇰🇿 әзіл

🇬🇪 ხუმრობა

🇦🇿 zarafat

🇲🇽 broma

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,901, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.