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Synonyms

jocularity

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

noun

plural

jocularities
  1. the state or quality of being jocular.

  2. jocular speech or behavior.

  3. a jocular remark or act.


Other Word Forms

  • overjocularity 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."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

Still, Kimmel seems to relish the juxtaposition of his unpretentious jocularity and the Oscars’ pomp and circumstance.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2024

His attempts at jocularity had been thoughtless and misguided but not malevolent, his lawyer said, in a submission to the panel.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2023

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

It’s no surprise, then, that plenty of Gemini Man feels like a slightly musty cable-replay staple, with that 1990s Jerry Bruckheimer military jocularity and a loving reverence for its lead actor’s movie-star face.

From The Verge • Oct. 16, 2019

And then again, there was something painfully familiar in the menace and male jocularity of that tape.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama