humor
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈhjuːmər/
KK: /ˈhjuːmər/
noun
Definition
A quality that makes people laugh or feel amused; a way of expressing fun or light-heartedness.
Example
His sense of humor always brightens up the room.
Conversation
I love how your jokes always have great humor.
Thanks! I try to keep things light and fun.
It's nice to have friends with a good sense of humor.
Absolutely! It makes hanging out so much more enjoyable.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wit
comedy
joke
Antonyms
seriousness
solemnity
gravity
transitive verb
Definition
To adapt or accommodate oneself to someone's wishes or ideas, often by indulging them.
Example
She decided to humor her friend's request for a surprise party.
Tense Forms
Past: humored
Past Participle: humored
Conversation
I really think we should humor her idea for the party.
Yeah, it might be fun to try something different this time.
Exactly! Sometimes it’s nice to humor our friends' suggestions.
Root Explanation
Humor originates from Latin 'humor' (meaning fluid or moisture), which is derived from 'humere' (meaning to be moist). In ancient and medieval medicine, it referred to bodily fluids believed to influence temperament and health, leading to the modern sense of humor as a characteristic of personality.
Memory Tip
Think of 'moisture' ('humor' in Latin) affecting one's mood — that's how humor relates to personality and temperament.
Visually Confused Words
humidor
tumor
rumor
humbo