Definition
Cheerful and lighthearted; full of merriment and high spirits.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Joyful, merry, cheerful, happy, lively, lighthearted, exuberant
Antonyms
Gloomy, unhappy, dreary, sorrowful, serious, depressed
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | humorist, humorousnesses, humors, humoring, humorings, humorousness, humor, humorists |
| Verb | humor |
| Adjective | humorous, humoral |
| Adverb | humorously |
Example Sentences
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The comedian’s humorous anecdotes and clever one-liners had the audience roaring with laughter throughout the entire show.
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The book was filled with humorous characters and witty dialogue that kept readers entertained from start to finish.
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Sarah had a knack for finding the humorous side of any situation, always managing to bring a smile to people’s faces with her clever remarks.
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The cartoonist’s humorous illustrations captured the absurdities of everyday life in a way that resonated with readers of all ages.
Usage
The word “humorous” has its origins in the Latin word “umor,” which means “moisture” or “liquid.” In ancient medical theory, it was believed that the human body was made up of four fluids or “humors”: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Humor referred to any of these fluids, and it was believed that an imbalance in these humors could affect a person’s temperament and disposition.
Over time, the meaning of “humor” evolved to include a person’s mental or emotional disposition, particularly in relation to their sense of amusement or mirth. The suffix “-ous” was added to “humor” to form the adjective “humorous,” which describes something that is funny, comical, or able to elicit laughter.
The prefix “hum-” in “humorous” comes from the Latin root “humus,” meaning “earth” or “ground.” This root is also found in words like “humility” and “humane.” It suggests a connection to the earthy, down-to-earth nature of comedy and laughter.
The term “humorous” is used to describe anything that is intended to be amusing, entertaining, or funny. It can refer to jokes, anecdotes, stories, or any form of communication or expression that elicits laughter or amusement. A humorous person is someone who has a knack for making others laugh and enjoys sharing jokes or witty remarks.
In literature and entertainment, humor is often used to lighten the mood, provide comic relief, or satirize social conventions. A humorous tone or style can be found in various forms of media, including books, movies, television shows, and stand-up comedy performances.
Overall, the word “humorous” is associated with laughter, amusement, and the ability to find joy in light-hearted and funny situations. It is a term that celebrates the power of comedy to entertain and bring people together through shared laughter.