jest
word
Definition
A jest is a joke or something said to make people laugh. It can also mean a playful or mocking act meant to amuse others.
Usage & Nuances
"Jest" is mostly formal or literary and not common in everyday speech. More often replaced by "joke". Often appears in the phrase "in jest" meaning "not seriously". Do not use "jest" when meaning a practical joke or prank.
Spanish: broma - chanzaPortuguese (BR): brincadeira - piadaPortuguese (PT): brincadeira - piadaChinese (Simplified): 玩笑 - 打趣Chinese (Traditional): 玩笑 - 打趣Hindi: मज़ाक - ठट्टाArabic: مزحة - فكاهةBengali: রসিকতা - ঠাট্টাRussian: шутка - остротаJapanese: 冗談 - 戯れ (たわむれ)Vietnamese: lời đùa - trò đùaKorean: 농담 - 익살Turkish: şaka - latifeUrdu: مزاح - مذاقIndonesian: lelucon - gurauan
Example Sentences
He made a jest to lighten the mood.
basic
Don't be angry; it was only a jest.
basic
They laughed at his clever jest.
basic
He always speaks in jest, so it's hard to know when he's serious.
natural
She replied with a sharp jest that made everyone laugh.
natural
His offer to trade his lunch for my homework was clearly made in jest.
natural