What is humorous? Pronunciation and usage in English

humorous means . Learn how to pronounce and use humorous through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of humorous

humorousadjective

/ˈhjuːm(ə)rəs/
Definition & pronunciation of humorous

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "humorous" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "humorous" is divided into three syllables:

  • hum
  • or
  • ous

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • hum: Pronounced like the sound you make when you're quietly vibrating your vocal cords. It's a short, throaty "huh" sound. Think of a gentle, internal vibration.
  • or: Pronounced as in "more" or "door." It's a clear, short "or" sound.
  • ous: This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like "us" (as in "bus") but with a slightly more drawn-out, softer sound. It's almost like you're saying "uh-us."

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly at first: "Huh-or-us"

Then, speed it up a little: "Hoo-or-us" (the "h" is very quick and almost silent)

4. A helpful tip:

Try to link the syllables together smoothly. It shouldn't feel choppy.

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly for you?
  • Give you some similar-sounding words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word humorous in English

Let's break down how to use the word "humorous" effectively in English. It's a versatile word, but it's important to use it correctly to convey the intended meaning.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Humorous means causing laughter or amusement; funny. It describes something that is enjoyable and entertaining due to its humor.

2. How to Use It – Different Contexts:

  • Describing a Person:

    • "He's a very humorous storyteller." (He tells funny stories.)
    • "She has a humorous personality – always cracking jokes." (She’s funny.)
    • "The comedian was incredibly humorous." (The comedian told funny jokes and was entertaining.)

  • Describing a Situation/Event:

    • "The play was surprisingly humorous." (The play was funny.)
    • "Their argument ended with a humorous misunderstanding." (The argument became funny due to a misunderstanding.)
    • "It’s humorous to see how much attention they get." (It's funny to observe their behavior.)

  • Describing a Style/Tone:

    • "The book has a humorous style." (The writing is using humor.)
    • "He delivered the news in a humorous way." (He made the serious news seem lighter and funnier.)
    • "The speech was full of humorous anecdotes." (The speech included funny stories.)

  • As an Adjective Modifying a Noun:

    • "A humorous picture" (A funny picture)
    • "A humorous anecdote” (A funny story)
    • "A humorous situation” (A funny situation)

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

Using synonyms can prevent repetition and add nuance to your writing:

  • Funny: Most common and often interchangeable.
  • Amusing: Suggests gentle amusement.
  • Comic: Relating to comedy or comic strips.
  • Witty: Suggests clever and amusing humor.
  • Jocular: Cheerful and playful in humor.
  • Comical: Suggests something silly or ridiculous.

4. Important Nuances:

  • "Humorous" is generally polite: It’s a safer choice compared to words like “ridiculous” or “absurd” which can sometimes sound a bit harsh.

  • Context Matters: The specific type of humor is important. Is it slapstick, satire, dark humor, observational humor, etc.? "Humorous" on its own doesn't tell you how it's funny.

5. Examples in Sentences:

  • "The film’s humorous portrayal of everyday life made it a huge success."
  • "His humorous responses to difficult questions always made people laugh."
  • "The artist created a humorous sculpture using recycled materials."
  • “Despite the serious circumstances, there was a humorous undercurrent.” (There was underlying humor.)

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you writing about? (e.g., a story, an essay, a review)
  • What is the specific context in which you want to use the word "humorous"? (e.g., describing a character, a scene, a piece of art)?

Synonyms for the word humorous

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