jocular
/'dʤɔkjulə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Characterized by jokes and good humor: Describing a person, manner, or atmosphere that is playful, humorous, and inclined to make jokes.
- Intended to be amusing: Describing remarks, comments, or actions meant to provoke laughter or lightheartedness.
Adverb:
- In a humorous or joking manner: Describes the way an action is performed, specifically with a light, jesting quality.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- He was in a jocular mood at the party, making everyone laugh.
- Her jocular remarks lightened the tense atmosphere of the meeting.
- Adverb (jocularly):
- He jocularly suggested we solve the problem with a game of rock-paper-scissors.
- She spoke jocularly about her earlier mistakes.
Advanced Usage
- "to be jocular about something": to treat a serious subject with humor, often to deflect discomfort.
- Despite the bad news, he remained jocular about the situation.
- Jocularity (noun): The quality or state of being jocular; merriment.
- The evening was filled with warmth and jocularity.
Variants and Related Words
- Jocose (adjective): Playful or humorous. (More formal/literary than ).
- Jocund (adjective): Cheerful and lighthearted. (Archaic or literary).
- Jest (noun/verb): A joke or to joke.
- Jocularly (adverb): The adverbial form of .
Synonyms
- Humorous: Causing lighthearted laughter and amusement.
- Witty: Showing quick and inventive verbal humor.
- Facetious: Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor.
- Joking: Speaking or acting in a fun or teasing way.
Antonyms
- Serious: Solemn or thoughtful in character or manner.
- Solemn: Formal and dignified; not cheerful or smiling.
- Grim: Very serious or gloomy.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "In a jocular vein": Speaking or acting in a humorous style or mood.
- He began his speech in a jocular vein before addressing the serious issues.
- "Jocular tone": A manner of speaking that is light and humorous.
- She adopted a jocular tone to deliver the criticism, making it easier to accept.
Adjective
- characterized by jokes and good humor
Adverb
- with humor
- they tried to deal with this painful subject jocularly