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sense of humor — the ability to perceive, appreciate, or express what is funny, amusing, or comical

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the ability to perceive, appreciate, or express what is funny, amusing, or comical

Pronunciation (IPA): /sens əv ˈhjuːmər/

Example Sentences

  • My boss has zero sense of humor - he didn't even smile when I accidentally sent him a cat meme instead of the quarterly report.
  • She inherited her father's quirky sense of humor and can make anyone laugh with her witty observations.
  • Having a good sense of humor is essential for surviving family dinners with my relatives.

sense of humor

NOUN

[/sens əv ˈhjuːmər/]

the ability to perceive, appreciate, or express what is funny, amusing, or comical

His sense of humor turned a boring meeting into pure laughter.
💡 Concept

His sense of humor turned a boring meeting into pure laughter.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/sens əv ˈhjuːmər/
🇬🇧 UK/sens əv ˈhjuːmə/

🌳Etymology

Origin

The phrase combines two Latin-derived words: 'sense' from Latin sentire (to feel, perceive) and 'humor' from Latin humor (bodily fluid). In medieval medicine, the four humors (blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm) were believed to determine temperament and disposition, eventually evolving into the modern meaning of mood, temperament, and the ability to appreciate comedy.

Breakdown

sense (from Latin sentire, to perceive or feel) + of (preposition indicating possession) + humor (from Latin humor, bodily fluid; later extended to mean temperament, mood, and comedic appreciation). The compound denotes one's capacity to recognize and appreciate wit or comedy.

🎵Rhyme

rumortumorconsumer
rumor
tumor
consumer

🔗Collocations

good sense of humor
dry sense of humor
wicked sense of humor
lack a sense of humor
develop a sense of humor
appreciate someone's sense of humor
twisted sense of humor

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My boss has zero sense of humor - he didn't even smile when I accidentally sent him a cat meme instead of the quarterly report.”

“She inherited her father's quirky sense of humor and can make anyone laugh with her witty observations.”

😄 Fun example

“Having a good sense of humor is essential for surviving family dinners with my relatives.”

“His dark sense of humor sometimes makes people uncomfortable, but I find it hilarious.”

📚Related Words

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