humor
UK: ˈhjuːmə | US: ˈhjuːmər
n. the quality of being amusing or comic
n. a mood or state of mind
vt. to comply with someone's whims or tolerate their behavior
humor = hum<moisture> + or<noun suffix>
- hum<moisture>: From Latin humor (liquid, moisture), reflecting ancient medical theory where bodily fluids ("humors") were believed to influence temperament.
- or<noun suffix>: A Latin-derived suffix indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
In medieval physiology, "humor" referred to bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, bile, black bile) thought to dictate personality. By the 16th century, it evolved to mean "mood" (influenced by these fluids) and later "whimsicality" or "amusement," as playful moods were linked to balanced humors. The modern sense of "comedy" emerged from this association with lightheartedness.
His humor always lightens the mood during meetings.
She’s in a good humor today after receiving the news.
The teacher humored the students’ request for a shorter assignment.
Dry British humor isn’t appreciated by everyone.
The film’s humor relies heavily on visual gags.