Humorous
/ˈhjuːmərəs/
Definitions
Causing or intended to cause laughter; amusing.
/ˈhjuːmərəs/
Causing laughter or amusement; funny.
The movie was filled with humorous scenes.
💡 Simply: If something is humorous, it makes you laugh! Like a funny joke or a silly movie scene. Remember that time your dog tried to wear your hat? That was humorous!
👶 For kids: Funny!
More Examples
Her humorous stories always lightened the mood.
He has a humorous take on life's challenges.
The cartoon was very humorous, but not to the point of hilarity.
How It's Used
"The comedian delivered a humorous routine that had the audience in stitches."
"Shakespeare's plays are often celebrated for their humorous dialogue."
Idioms & expressions
have a sense of humor
To be able to understand and appreciate humor.
"She has a great sense of humor and can always find the light side of things."
a dry humor
A humor that is subtle, understated, and sometimes sarcastic.
"He delivered his jokes with dry humor, so you had to listen closely to catch them."
From Middle English *humorous*, from Old French *humorous* (full of humours), from Latin *humor* (moisture, fluid). The four humours (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile) were believed to determine temperament.
The word's association with the body's 'humours' influenced its early usage, reflecting a connection to temperament and mood.
Memory tip
Think of a comedian making you laugh to remember the word "humorous."
Word Origin
"moisture, fluid; later associated with temperament and disposition"