Words / C2

JOK-y-uh-l-uh/ˈdʒɒkjələ/

Jocular means humorous; intended as a joke, of a person or a remark: a jocular tone, jocular asides. Funny (already in the dictionary) is everyday; witty (already in the dictionary) is cleverly amusing, and facetious (already in the dictionary) is joking when seriousness was due. This batch: jocose is playfully given to joking, a close formal twin. Doleful (already in the dictionary) is mournful of look — the opposite flavour. “Noted” is not a decision.

Meaning

Humorous; intended as a joke, of a person or a remark.

Examples

• “A jocular “noted” beside an open flame risk is not a decision.”
• “Funny is everyday (already in A1). Witty is cleverly funny (already in C1). Facetious is joking at the wrong time (already in C2). Jocose is playfully joking (this batch). Doleful is mournful in look (already in C2) — the contrast. A short true minute can still be dry. A jest that never numbers the risk is theatre. Write the finding; leave the wink.”

Good to know

Humorous; joking in manner. Everyday: funny (already in this dictionary). Close: witty (already in C1); facetious (already in C2). This batch: jocose. Contrast: doleful (already in C2). A jest ≠ a minute.

Near in meaning

humorous, jocose, witty, playful

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