unhumorous
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking humor; not funny or amusing: Describes something that is serious, earnest, or without any trace of comedy, wit, or lightheartedness. It often implies a stern, dull, or overly solemn quality.
Usage
The adjective "unhumorous" is used to describe a person, their manner, a piece of writing, a situation, or a remark that is devoid of humor. It is a formal or literary term. It typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of levity or an inability to appreciate or express amusement.
Examples
- The professor delivered an unhumorous lecture on tax law that lasted three hours.
- His unhumorous demeanor made it difficult to tell when he was joking.
- The report was a dry and unhumorous account of the proceedings.
- She gave him an unhumorous stare, indicating she was not amused.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used to critique artistic works, such as films or novels, that attempt comedy but fail, resulting in an unhumorous effect.
- It can describe a specific type of communication where a potentially humorous element (like a wink) is delivered with complete seriousness, making it "a humorless wink."
Variants and Related Words
- Humorless (adjective): The more common synonym for "unhumorous."
- Unfunny (adjective): Specifically means not causing laughter; less formal than "unhumorous."
- Solemn (adjective): Formal and dignified, often in a serious way.
- Sober (adjective): Serious, sensible, and solemn.
- Earnest (adjective): Showing sincere conviction and serious intention.
- Poe-faced (adjective, informal): Having a humorlessly disapproving or stern expression.
Synonyms
- Humorless
- Serious
- Solemn
- Sober
- Earnest
- Grave
- Stern
- Dry
- Dull
Antonyms
- Humorous
- Funny
- Amusing
- Witty
- Comical
- Lighthearted
- Jocular
Adjective
- lacking humor; a wink of warning"- Truman Capote
- it was a humorless wink