humor

hu-mor · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The quality of being amusing or comic; the ability to perceive and express what is funny.

  2. 2.

    A mood or state of mind.

  3. 3.

    (archaic) One of the four bodily fluids in medieval medicine believed to affect personality.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    sense of humor — The ability to find things funny
  • •
    good humor — A cheerful, pleasant mood
  • •
    black humor — Comedy dealing with morbid or dark subjects

Related words

Antonyms: gravity, seriousness
See also: comedy, funny, humour, wit
Synonyms: amusement, comedy, funniness, wit

Etymology

From Latin humor ("moisture, fluid"), later associated with temperament and mood. The comedic sense developed in the 17th century.