Definition

1. Noun:

   • A thing said or done for amusement; a joke: An act, remark, or story intended to provoke laughter or amusement.
   • Mockery or ridicule: The object or target of such amusement or mockery.

2. Verb:

   • To speak or act in a playful or humorous manner: To make jokes or engage in light-hearted teasing.
   • To mock or make fun of someone or something: To speak about someone or something in a way that is not serious, often to ridicule.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • His witty jest made everyone in the room laugh.
  • She was the subject of their cruel jest.
  • He said it in jest, so please don't take offense.

• Verb:

  • They jested with each other throughout the evening.
  • He is always jesting, even in serious situations.
  • One should not jest about such solemn matters.

Advanced Usage

• "in jest": As a joke; not meant to be taken seriously.

  • I only said it in jest; I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

• "to make a jest of (someone/something)": To mock or ridicule someone or something.

  • It is unkind to make a jest of people's misfortunes.

• "half in jest, half in earnest": Partly joking and partly serious.

  • His proposal was made half in jest, half in earnest, leaving everyone unsure of his true intentions.

Variants and Related Words

• Jester (n): A professional joker or "fool" at a medieval court, employed to entertain.

  • The king's jester told jokes and performed tricks.

• Jesting (adj/n): The act of making jokes; characterized by joking.

  • He had a jesting manner that put people at ease.

Synonyms

• Joke: Something said or done to provoke laughter.
• Quip: A witty or funny remark.
• Gibe/Jibe: A taunting or sarcastic remark.
• Banter: The playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(The word "jest" itself is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs. Its usage is typically as a standalone verb or noun.)

Related Idioms

• "Many a true word is spoken in jest": A humorous or joking statement often contains an element of truth.

  • He joked about being lazy, but many a true word is spoken in jest.

• "to be a standing jest": To be a constant object of ridicule or mockery.

  • After his embarrassing mistake, he became the standing jest of the office.

Noun

1. activity characterized by good humor
2. a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
   • he told a very funny joke
   • he knows a million gags
   • thanks for the laugh
   • he laughed unpleasantly at his own jest
   • even a schoolboy's jape is supposed to have some ascertainable point

Verb

1. act in a funny or teasing way
2. tell a joke; speak humorously
   • He often jokes even when he appears serious