humourless

Thân thiện

A humourless teacher reads a story without smiling.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking humor; not able to appreciate or express what is funny or amusing. Describes a person, situation, or thing that is serious, stern, or without any sense of fun or comedy.

Usage

The adjective "humourless" (also spelled "humorless" in American English) is used to characterize someone who does not find things funny, does not tell jokes, or approaches everything with excessive seriousness. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying dullness or an inability to relax.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • His humourless response to the joke made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The film was a humourless and grim portrayal of war.
  • She gave me a humourless stare when I tried to lighten the mood.

Advanced Usage

• "a humourless wink": This specific phrase, as used in the reference, describes an action (a wink) that is typically playful or conspiratorial, but is performed in a way that is entirely serious and devoid of its usual humorous intent. It signifies a warning or a signal delivered with stern gravity.

Variants and Related Words

• Humourlessly (adverb): In a humourless manner.
  • He spoke humourlessly about the regulations.
• Humourlessness (noun): The quality or state of being humourless.
  • The humourlessness of the meeting was draining.

Synonyms

• Stern: Serious and grim.
• Sober: Serious, sensible, and solemn.
• Poker-faced: Having an expression that does not reveal thoughts or feelings, especially in a humorous context.
• Grim: Very serious or gloomy.
• Unamused: Not finding something funny or entertaining.

Antonyms

• Humorous: Funny and amusing.
• Witty: Showing quick and inventive verbal humor.
• Jovial: Cheerful and friendly.
• Lighthearted: Cheerful and carefree.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. lacking humor; a wink of warning"- Truman Capote
   • it was a humorless wink

Từ đồng nghĩa

• humorless
• unhumorous