jest
23
4.2
- noun
- /dʒɛst/
:
broma
- Half in jest, the men talked sometimes of organizing a soccer match with the Reds.
- partly in jest
- only partly in jest
- half in jest
I mean, if I write in a book of fiction, I said an American president said that and not in jest.
- I mean, if I write in a book of fiction, I said an American president said that and not in jest.
- I call myself a genius, like in jest, but I'm creatively fruity all over the place, just flying high.
Examples
-
"The words, meant to be spoken in jest, came out bitter.
Fiction book (1995) -
"At first, I did not favor his jest with a reply."
Fiction book (2000) -
I was but in jest with the fellow.
-
Even though it's said in jest, his words stick like a knife.
Fiction book (2002) -
Many a true word spoken in jest.
-
Only partly in jest, my friend merrily replied, "Build a wall."
Academic text (2011) -
Aubrey's humor is low indeed, but his innocent delight in his own jests and puns is irresistible.
Academic text (1996) -
His witty remark was made in jest, and everyone laughed.
-
She often tells a jest to lighten the mood at meetings.
-
The clown's performance was filled with amusing jests that made the audience smile.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
Something said or done to make people laugh
417
1.0
A short funny story or remark that makes people smile
70
3.7
A short funny remark that makes people laugh
14
1.0
A short story or remark that makes people laugh
5
7.2
A clever short remark meant to make people laugh
3
9.3
A playful trick or remark meant to make people laugh
1
8.6
A short funny remark or action that makes people smile
1
4.6
A short teasing remark that makes someone laugh without hurting them
A teasing remark said to make people laugh
Idioms
How Funny
Surface Forms
Etymology
Jest comes from an old French word geste that meant 'action' or 'show'. It is the same root as jester, the performer who told jokes and stories, so a jest is a playful act or joke.