jokingly
UK: ˈdʒəʊkɪŋli | US: ˈdʒoʊkɪŋli
adv. in a humorous or playful manner
adv. not seriously; lightly
The word "jokingly" combines "joke," derived from the Latin "jocus" (meaning jest or sport), with the adverbial suffix "-ly," which transforms adjectives or nouns into adverbs. The root "joke" entered English via Old French "jouque," retaining its playful connotation. The suffix "-ly" originates from Old English "-lice," used to form adverbs. Together, they create a word that describes actions performed in a jesting or non-serious manner.
She smiled and said jokingly, "I might just quit and become a pirate."
He waved his hand jokingly to dismiss the exaggerated praise.
"You’re the real MVP," he added jokingly after his teammate’s minor mistake.
The teacher jokingly threatened to assign extra homework if the class didn’t quiet down.
They jokingly debated whether cats or dogs made better roommates.