humorous

humorous — adjective

1. A humorous book, film, story, or remark makes you smile or laugh because it is c

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

A humorous book, film, story, or remark makes you smile or laugh because it is clever or playful in a nice way.

Example

Théo told a humorous story about his cat getting stuck in a tree.

collocation: humorous story before a noun

Aylin's humorous comments made her students laugh during biology class.

humorous comments + make + [sb] laugh — cause-effect pattern

Common collocations
  • humorous story
  • humorous remark
  • humorous comment
  • humorous side
  • humorous way
  • humorous approach
  • humorous anecdote
Synonyms
  • funny

    Much more common and informal; also used to describe people (a funny guy), while 'humorous' leans more toward remarks and situations.

  • amusing

    Focuses on gentle enjoyment rather than outright laughter; slightly less strong than 'humorous'.

  • witty

    Specifically about clever, fast wordplay or sharp observations; narrower in scope.

  • comical

    Deliberately funny, often in a silly or exaggerated way; slightly stronger in suggesting physical or absurd humour.

Antonyms
  • serious

    Not intended to be funny; the opposite tone.

  • dull

    Lacking anything that could make someone smile or laugh.

Usage Note

More formal than 'funny'. Commonly used before nouns (a humorous remark) or after linking verbs (the story was humorous). In everyday spoken English, 'funny' is much more frequent.

Common Mistakes

What a humorous joke!' (too formal for casual situations).
What a funny joke!
'humorous' sounds written or formal; 'funny' is the natural choice in everyday speech.

Word family

  • humor
    nounB1
  • humour
    nounB1
  • humorously
    adverbB2
  • humorist
    nounC1
  • humorless
    adjectiveC1
  • sense of humour
    nounB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe something that makes you smile or laugh, but they differ in tone and use. 'Funny' is by far the most common and works in almost any situation — a funny joke, a funny person, a funny noise. 'Humorous' is more formal and typically describes intentional, crafted humour in stories, writing, or remarks. 'Amusing' is gentler: an amusing comment makes you smile rather than laugh out loud. 'Witty' is narrower, referring specifically to clever, quick wordplay or sharp observations. 'Comical' often suggests physical or exaggerated humour (a comical hat, a comical fall). For everyday speech, use 'funny'. For writing or describing professional comedy, 'humorous' or 'witty' fit better.

funny ↗amusing ↗wittycomical

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • in a humorous way
  • with a humorous touch
  • a humorous take on
  • on a humorous note

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from Latin 'humor' meaning 'moisture' or 'liquid', which travelled through French 'humeur' ('mood', 'disposition'). In medieval medicine, the body was thought to contain four liquids (humours) that controlled a person's health and temperament. Someone with a well-balanced mix was considered good-natured and amusing. Over time, the meaning shifted from 'bodily fluid' to 'mood' to 'the quality of being funny'.