jesting

4.2

Saying things to be funny and acting playful to make people laugh

adjective
/ˈdʒɛstɪŋ/

: bromista

The children were jesting and playing games in the park on a sunny afternoon.

Examples

With a jesting smile, he teased his friend about their clumsy dance moves.
So he talks about idle backbiting, filthy communication, jesting, foolish talking.
And when we're being humorous or playful with each other, when we're jesting is how how the old translation goes.
The comedian's jesting nature kept the audience laughing throughout the show.

Synonyms

jokey

vsjesting

Informal

6 3.9

Said or done to be funny rather than serious

is more rooted in genuine good humor rather than mere unseriousness

jocular

vsjesting

3 6.8

Playful and friendly in a joking way

is the same playful manner but may be less of a personal habit

joking

vsjesting

2 1.2

Meant to be funny, not serious

is the general playful manner rather than only a deliberate jest

jocose

vsjesting

Formal

8.7

Playful and joking to make people laugh

is the same playful and humorous manner rather than serious speech

bantering

vsjesting

Informal

5.7

Friendly teasing that makes people laugh

is broader playful joking that does not focus on teasing others

teasing

vsjesting

2.7

Playfully making fun of someone in a kind way

is friendlier and avoids the mockery or provocation implied here

How Playful

playful

79 1.6

jocular

3 6.8

jesting

4.2

facetious

14 8.1

serious

452 1.4

Surface Forms

jesting positive

Morphology

jesting = jest (transparent) = jest + ing

The adjective is a standard participial formation from the verb 'jest' meaning 'joking' or 'playful', so the meaning is directly derived.

Etymology

Jesting comes from the old word jest, which meant a short, playful story or trick; think of someone telling a funny little tale to make people laugh. So when someone is jesting they are 'joking' and acting in a playful, light way.