Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Joke Meaning, Examples & Correct Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：a funny story or remark (joke)

joke 🔊

/dʒoʊk/

n./v.

Something, like a short story or a funny remark, that you say or do to make people laugh.

Two friends laughing at a funny joke on a park bench

a funny story or remark 🔊

➕

/ə ˈfʌni ˈstɔːri ɔːr rɪˈmɑːrk/

n./v.

A short narrative or comment intended to provoke laughter by presenting an amusing situation or unexpected twist.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'jocus' meaning 'joke or jest', via Old French 'jogue'.

💡 Mnemonic

Joke starts with J like Joy. Telling a joke brings joy and laughter to others.

📖 Example

My friend told me a hilarious joke at lunch that made me laugh so hard I almost spilled my drink. 🔊 My friend shared a funny anecdote during lunch, causing me to laugh so much I nearly tipped over my drink.

🔗 Collocations

crack a joke – to tell a joke, often in a spontaneous or informal setting

make a joke – to create or utter something humorous

take a joke – to accept teasing or humor without becoming offended

🔄 Synonyms

witticism (n.) – A clever and funny remark or phrase, often more intellectual than a simple joke.

jest (n.) – A playful or humorous remark, often used in older or formal contexts.

gag (n.) – A short joke or comic piece, especially one used in a performance or scripted comedy.

🚫 Antonyms

serious statement (n.) – A remark made with earnest intent, lacking any humorous or playful aspect.

fact (n.) – A piece of information presented as true and objective, opposite to a fictional joke.

🌱 Derivatives

joker (n.) – A person who enjoys making jokes or acting playfully.

jokingly (adv.) – In a manner intended to be humorous or not serious.

jokester (n.) – A person who frequently tells jokes or plays pranks.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'joke' comes from Latin 'jocus' (a jest). It entered English through Old French in the 14th century, initially meaning 'a mischievous act'. Today, it is central to humor in stand-up comedy, social banter, and even professional icebreakers.

Meaning 2：to say or do something playfully (joke)

joke 🔊

/dʒoʊk/

n./v.

To say or do something in a funny or playful way, not meant to be serious.

Colleagues playfully joking in a casual office break room

to say or do something playfully 🔊

➕

/tuː seɪ ɔːr duː ˈsʌmθɪŋ ˈpleɪfəli/

n./v.

To engage in humorous or lighthearted speech or action without serious intent, often to amuse or create a relaxed atmosphere.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Don't worry, I was only joking when I said I'd be late for your party; I'll definitely be there on time! 🔊 Don't worry, I was merely being playful when I claimed I would be tardy to your celebration; I absolutely will arrive promptly!

🔗 Collocations

joke around – to act or speak in a playful, non-serious manner

just joking – an expression used to indicate that the previous statement was meant as humor

joke with someone – to exchange humorous remarks or tease lightly with another person

🔄 Synonyms

tease (v.) – To make fun of someone in a gentle, playful way, often as a form of bonding.

banter (v.) – To exchange remarks in a lively, humorous, and friendly manner.

kid (v.) – To say something that is not true as a joke; to deceive playfully.

🚫 Antonyms

be serious (v.) – To speak or act with sincere and earnest intent, devoid of humor.

insist (v.) – To demand something firmly or assert a fact without any playful undertone.

🌱 Derivatives

joking (adj.) – Characterized by humor or playfulness.

jokingly (adv.) – In a manner that is intended as a joke.

joker (n.) – A person who frequently engages in humorous or playful behavior.