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Synonyms

jocularity

American  
[jok-yuh-lar-i-tee] / ˌdʒɒk yəˈlær ɪ ti /

noun

jocularities plural
  1. the state or quality of being jocular.

  2. jocular speech or behavior.

  3. a jocular remark or act.


Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

Etymology

Origin of jocularity

First recorded in 1640–50; jocular + -ity

Explanation

A state of cheer or good humor is jocularity. It takes a certain amount of jocularity to tell a really good joke. Someone who has the quality of jocularity is playfully funny — a jokester or clown is known for his jocularity. A teacher's jocularity can transform a boring history class into something fun. Jocularity, the adjective jocular, and joke all stem from a common Latin root, iocus, or "joke."

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Vocabulary lists containing jocularity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

No smile, no jocularity, no sense that he had just won a major victory.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

David Zinn’s scenic design adopts a puppet theater jocularity and Andrea Hood’s storybook costumes are as vivid as a box of Colorforms.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024

For all its burlesque jocularity, Mr. Scott asserted, his job was no less taxing as a result.

From New York Times • Sep. 4, 2021

What kept Mr. Jacomo in that place of honor, far more than his jocularity, was his competence and ability to adjust — profitably — when even the best-laid plans went awry.

From Washington Post • Mar. 7, 2020

Raymond Birge, who became department chairman upon Elmer Hall’s passing that same year, was fond of remarking with a wry jocularity, “I don’t know what goes on over there in that Radiation Lab.”

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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