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Jocular: meaning, definitions and examples

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jocular

 

[ˈdʒɒkjʊlə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in conversation

characterized by joking or jesting; humorous or playful.

Synonyms

humorous, playful, witty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jocular

Duplicate entry; see above.
humorous

Appropriate for describing situations, remarks, or people that are funny and intended to make others laugh. It has a broad application and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • Her humorous stories always entertain the guests.
  • The movie had several humorous moments that made the audience laugh.
playful

Used to describe actions or behavior that are intended to be fun and entertaining, often with a sense of innocence and lightheartedness. Commonly used when referring to children or animals, but can also describe adults in a light-hearted setting.

  • The puppy was very playful, chasing its tail around the yard.
  • They had a playful argument about who was the better chef.
witty

Best for describing a person or comment that is clever and amusing, often involving a quick and sharp sense of humor. It implies a level of intelligence and verbal skill.

  • She is known for her witty remarks during meetings.
  • His witty comments never fail to make people laugh.

Examples of usage

  • He is known for his jocular personality.
  • The comedian's jocular remarks had the audience in stitches.
  • She couldn't resist his jocular charm.
Context #2 | Adjective

formal writing

intended or designed to provoke amusement; humorous.

Synonyms

amusing, comical, facetious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jocular

This word is best used to describe a person or behavior that is cheerful and good-humored, often playful and joking. It is usually positive in tone.

  • Everyone loved his jocular nature at parties.
  • She gave a jocular response to lighten the mood.
amusing

Use this word to describe something that entertains or causes laughter or enjoyment. It can be about events, stories, or activities and is generally positive.

  • The movie was very amusing and kept the audience laughing.
  • His stories about his travels were always amusing.
comical

This word is effective when describing something that is funny in an odd or silly way. The tone can sometimes be neutral or slightly mocking.

  • The sight of him trying to juggle was comical.
  • Her expression when she saw the surprise was absolutely comical.
facetious

This word is used when someone is joking or making light of a serious situation. The tone is often inappropriately humorous, and it can have a negative connotation.

  • He made a facetious comment about the bad weather just as the storm began.
  • His facetious remarks during the serious meeting were not appreciated.

Examples of usage

  • The author's jocular tone made the serious topic more approachable.
  • His jocular remarks lightened the mood of the meeting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'jocular' comes from the Latin 'joculus', meaning 'joke' or 'jest'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 18th century to describe someone with a playful or joking demeanor.
  • Related terms include 'joke', 'jovial', and 'jester', all connecting to humor and lightheartedness.

Pop Culture

  • Famous figures like Robin Williams and Jim Carrey are known for their jocular personalities, making them beloved comedians.
  • Jocular conversations are often featured in sitcoms, where humor lies at the heart of the storylines.
  • The 'jocular' nature of social media platforms like Twitter has led to the rise of memes and humorous content sharing.

Psychology

  • Humor can serve as a coping mechanism, helping individuals deal with stress and anxiety in a jocular way.
  • Jocular interactions are essential for building social bonds, as laughter fosters connection and group cohesion.
  • Research shows that people with jocular personalities tend to have better overall well-being and relationships.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features jocular characters, such as Shakespeare’s clowns, who provide comic relief.
  • Modern novels frequently include witty dialogue and jocular banter to engage readers and develop characters.
  • Authors like Mark Twain used jocular language to critique society while entertaining their audiences.

Theatre

  • In theatre, jocular elements are vital for comedic performances, often relying on timing and delivery.
  • The role of a jester or fool historically provided both entertainment and insightful commentary on society.
  • Improvisational comedy often embraces jocularness, encouraging spontaneous humor and responses from performers.

Translations

Translations of the word "jocular" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jocoso

🇮🇳 हास्यप्रद

🇩🇪 scherzhaft

🇮🇩 bercanda

🇺🇦 жартівливий

🇵🇱 żartobliwy

🇯🇵 冗談好きな

🇫🇷 jovial

🇪🇸 jocoso

🇹🇷 şakacı

🇰🇷 농담을 좋아하는

🇸🇦 مزاح

🇨🇿 žertovný

🇸🇰 žartovný

🇨🇳 爱开玩笑的

🇸🇮 šaljiv

🇮🇸 spaugilegur

🇰🇿 әзілқой

🇬🇪 ხუმრობიანი

🇦🇿 zarafatcıl

🇲🇽 jocoso

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,065, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.