What is humor? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of humor in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of humor

humornoun

sự hài hước

/ˈhjuːmə(r)//ˈhjuːmər/

Where does the word humor come from?

The word "humor" originates from the Latin term "umor," meaning "fluid" or "liquid." In ancient Greek and Roman medicine, humor referred to the four bodily fluids or "humors" believed to govern a person's physical and mental well-being: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. The balance or imbalance of these humors was thought to influence a person's mood, personality, and overall health. Over time, the term "humor" evolved to describe the ability to detect and appreciate the absurd, irony, or incongruity in situations. In the 17th century, the term "humor" took on its modern connotation, referring to the quality of being amusing, witty, or playful. Today, humor is widely recognized as a vital aspect of human communication, social bonding, and emotional expression.

Vocabulary summary humor

typenoun

meaninghumor, wit

meaningsense of humor; sense of humor, sense of humor, sense of humor

meaningtemperament

typetransitive verb

meaningplease, please, indulge (someone's preferences, temperament)

Example of vocabulary humornamespace

meaning

the quality in something that makes it funny; the ability to laugh at things that are funny

  • It was a story full of gentle humor.
  • She ignored his feeble attempt at humor.
  • They failed to see the humor of the situation.
  • I can't stand people with no sense of humor.
  • to have a dry/keen/wicked/wry sense of humor
meaning

the state of your feelings or mind at a particular time

  • to be in the best of humors
  • The meeting dissolved in ill humor.
  • to be out of humor (= in a bad mood)
  • The remarks were made in good humor.
meaning

one of the four liquids that were thought in the past to be in a person’s body and to influence health and character


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