Humor Meaning

UK /ˈhjuːmə/
US /ˈhjuːmɚ/
Word Definition
humor meaning

Humor Definition & Usage

noun

The quality of being amusing, or the ability to make others laugh.

Examples

  • "Her sense of humor always lightens the mood at work."
  • "He has a dry humor that takes a while to catch on, but it's always clever."
  • "The comedian's humor was sharp and satirical, poking fun at social norms."
  • "They found humor in the most unexpected places, even in difficult situations."
  • "In his new book, the author explores humor in the face of tragedy."
noun

A bodily fluid that was historically believed to influence a person’s health and mood, such as blood, bile, or phlegm.

Examples

  • "The theory of the four humors was central to ancient Greek medicine."
  • "Imbalances in the body's humors were thought to cause various illnesses."
  • "He studied how the humors influenced both physical and emotional states."
  • "Hippocrates believed that the humors needed to be in balance for optimal health."
  • "She was fascinated by the medieval concept of humor in relation to temperament."

Cultural Context

Humor, as both a concept and a form of expression, has been a key part of human culture for centuries. From ancient Greek theater to modern stand-up comedy, humor has evolved across various forms. It is often used as a tool to relieve tension, comment on social issues, or simply entertain.

The Laughing Philosopher

Story

The Laughing Philosopher

In a small village tucked between two great mountains, there lived a philosopher named Alaric who was known for his brilliant mind and his infectious laugh. It wasn't his deep theories about ethics or his groundbreaking ideas on the nature of existence that made him famous. It was his ability to find humor in the bleakest of situations. Whether it was during a heated debate about the meaning of life or amidst the solemn ceremonies for the deceased, Alaric always managed to draw out a chuckle from his audience, easing their burdens with a well-timed quip. One winter, the village was struck by a terrible illness, and the people were in despair. The village doctor, Dr. Helena, tried every remedy known to man but saw little success. She decided to consult Alaric, who, despite his own doubts about medicine, agreed to help. Alaric spent days sitting with the sick, cracking jokes and stories to lighten their spirits. He knew that humor was more than just a means of entertainment—it was a balm for the soul. And so, as the villagers began to laugh at his absurd stories, the illness began to fade. One evening, as the village gathered in the town square, a child approached Alaric with a question. 'Why do you make us laugh even when things are so dark?' she asked. Alaric paused, his eyes twinkling with mischief, before replying, 'Because, little one, in humor we find the courage to face the darkness and keep moving forward.' From that day on, Alaric became known as the Laughing Philosopher, the man who used humor to heal, both the body and the spirit. The village never forgot his wisdom, and they passed it down through generations, remembering always that in the darkest times, humor could be the brightest light of all.

The Laughing Philosopher