jest

1 of 2

noun

ˈjest

: a joking or mocking remark

a clever jest

: prank

: a ludicrous circumstance or incident

a proper jest, and never heard before, that Suffolk should demand a whole fifteenth for costs and charges

William Shakespeare

: a frivolous mood or manner

—usually used with in

spoken in jest

: gaiety and merriment

I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of excellent fancy

William Shakespeare

: laughingstock

jest

2 of 2

verb

jested; jesting

intransitive verb

formal, dated

: to make jokes or jests : to say things intended to be humorous

"What's it like to design a building and have an apartment in it and have your name on it?" the architect asks, jesting, with his typically irrepressible energy. "It's like a hat trick."

Philip Nobel

You voted for him? Surely you jest. [=you must be joking]

Example Sentences

Noun It was a harmless jest. you should know that our teasing was done entirely in jest

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Usually, it is mentioned in jest, or perhaps in a fit of post-game exasperation.

Mike Scott, NOLA.com, 29 Oct. 2017 Simmons said principals were given discretion over the dress code, and any threats involving a bat were made in jest.

Jacob Carpenter, Houston Chronicle, 23 Oct. 2017 Though the remark was in jest, it reflects the unsettling reality that a number of Ryan's closest allies in the Republican caucus are abandoning ship.

vanityfair.com, 20 Oct. 2017 Though the remark was in jest, it reflects the unsettling reality that a number of Ryan's closest allies in the Republican caucus are abandoning ship.

Abigail Tracy, The Hive, 20 Oct. 2017 Alas, poor Virgin America, an airline of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy.

Ryan Craggs, CNT, 10 Oct. 2017 Frost said in jest to much laughter during his postgame press conference.

Chris Hays, OrlandoSentinel.com, 1 Sep. 2017 There was a good bit of growling involved, but all was in jest, said Crosby’s owner, Mansi Shah, 22.

Mary Hui, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2017 Sturgeon said, somewhat in jest but making his point.

Maureen Robertson, Ramona Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2017 See More

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English gest, geste, jeste "chivalric romance, tale, heroic deed, exploit, action, amusement," borrowed from Anglo-French geste "heroic deed, romance, tale," borrowed from Latin gesta "deeds, exploits," plural of gestum "something carried out," noun derivative from neuter of gestus, past participle of gerere "to carry, bear, conduct one's business, act, perform, do," from a verb stem ges- of uncertain origin

Note: The current senses of jest date from the 16th century. The Latin verb stem ges- is without evident Indo-European congeners. An old suggestion that it derives from *h₂ǵ-es-, an extended form containing the zero grade of *h₂eǵ- "drive" (see agent) has been revived (as, for example, by Michiel de Vaan in Etymological Dictionary of Latin and the Other Italic Languages, Brill, 2008; the original suggestion was by Hermann Osthoff in Beiträge zur Kunde der indogermanischen Sprachen, Band 19 [1893], pp. 320-22.) Parallel formations adduced by Osthoff are, however, questionable, as *u̯es- (see wear entry 1) from *eu̯- "put on (footwear)," not possible if the root is actually *h₂eu̯(H)- (see exuviae). Latin ger- is unlikely to have any relation to Old Norse kǫr "heap, pile," kǫstr "pile," kasta "to throw, fling" (see cast entry 1).

Verb

Middle English gesten "to recite romances," derivative of geste "chivalric romance, tale" — more at jest entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1553, in the meaning defined above

jest 1 of 2

noun

as in fun

an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously you should know that our teasing was done entirely in jest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

fun
play
flippancy
game
sport
silliness
facetiousness
levity
frivolity
frivolousness
frothiness
flightiness
light-mindedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

earnest
seriousness
earnestness
gravity
solemnity
soberness
sobriety

as in joke

something said or done to cause laughter laughed politely at his feeble jest about his pet mosquito

Synonyms & Similar Words

joke
laugh
joking
jape
witticism
funny
giggle
pleasantry
wisecrack
gag
quip
drollery
sally
josh
waggery
yak
rib
prank
yuck
scream
boffo
one-liner
boff
humorousness
yuk
parody
nifty
funning
humor
crack
yock
kidding
raillery
riot
buffoonery
trick
banter
mock
antic
comedy
facetiousness
boffola
mockery
persiflage
wisecracking
caper
lampoon
leg-pull
repartee
knee-slapper
practical joke
wit
wordplay
panic
burlesque
caricature
funniness
riff
put-on
monkeyshine(s)
drollness
hilariousness
thigh-slapper

as in prank

a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke putting a mouse in her desk drawer was intended to be a harmless jest

Synonyms & Similar Words

prank
joking
trick
shine(s)
antic
escapade
kidding
gag
adventure
knavery
waggery
roguery
experience
caper
capriccio
frolic
practical joke
time
dido
lark
monkeyshine(s)
game
rag
shavie
skylarking
feat
tomfoolery
horseplay
hijinks
teasing
deed
performance
hoax
stunt
rowdyism
play
roughhousing
shenanigan(s)
high jinks
ruse
whimsy
vagary
ploy
gambit
stratagem
subterfuge
fooling
mission
whimsey
trickery
whim
deception
conceit
maneuver
wile
caprice
deceit
delusion
sham
hoodwinking
fraud
fancy
hanky-panky

as in fool

a person or thing that is made fun of his outlandish costumes made him the jest of the town

Synonyms & Similar Words

joke
fool
mock
mockery
derision
target
butt
victim
sport
laughingstock
mark
pigeon
gull
monkey
sucker
chump
dupe
sap
fall guy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

favorite
pet
darling

jest

2 of 2

verb

as in to joke

to make jokes when I asked my sister for a loan, she laughingly replied, "Surely you jest!"

Synonyms & Similar Words

joke
fun
jolly
jape
banter
quip
fool
wisecrack
yuck
kid
josh
ridicule
jibe
gibe
gag
yuk
amuse
jive
jeer
tease
parody
chaff
crack wise
mock
rib
rag
haze
caricature
satirize
lampoon
razz
entertain
rally
divert

Synonym Chooser

Some common synonyms of jest are fun, game, play, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.

hurt by remarks said only in jest

Although the words fun and jest have much in common, fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.

played cards just for fun

Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.

made game of their poor relations

The words play and jest can be used in similar contexts, but play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.

pretended to strangle his brother in play

The words sport and jest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.

teasing begun in sport led to anger

单词	jest
释义	jest 1 of 2 noun ˈjest 1 : a joking or mocking remark a clever jest 2 a : prank b : a ludicrous circumstance or incident a proper jest, and never heard before, that Suffolk should demand a whole fifteenth for costs and charges William Shakespeare 3 a : a frivolous mood or manner —usually used with in spoken in jest b : gaiety and merriment I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of excellent fancy William Shakespeare 4 : laughingstock jest 2 of 2 verb jested; jesting intransitive verb formal, dated : to make jokes or jests : to say things intended to be humorous "What's it like to design a building and have an apartment in it and have your name on it?" the architect asks, jesting, with his typically irrepressible energy. "It's like a hat trick." Philip Nobel You voted for him? Surely you jest. [=you must be joking] Synonyms Noun fun game play sport Verb banter chaff fool fun gag jape jive joke jolly josh kid quip wisecrack yuk [slang] yuck See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Noun It was a harmless jest. you should know that our teasing was done entirely in jest Recent Examples on the Web Noun Usually, it is mentioned in jest, or perhaps in a fit of post-game exasperation. Mike Scott, NOLA.com, 29 Oct. 2017 Simmons said principals were given discretion over the dress code, and any threats involving a bat were made in jest. Jacob Carpenter, Houston Chronicle, 23 Oct. 2017 Though the remark was in jest, it reflects the unsettling reality that a number of Ryan's closest allies in the Republican caucus are abandoning ship. vanityfair.com, 20 Oct. 2017 Though the remark was in jest, it reflects the unsettling reality that a number of Ryan's closest allies in the Republican caucus are abandoning ship. Abigail Tracy, The Hive, 20 Oct. 2017 Alas, poor Virgin America, an airline of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. Ryan Craggs, CNT, 10 Oct. 2017 Frost said in jest to much laughter during his postgame press conference. Chris Hays, OrlandoSentinel.com, 1 Sep. 2017 There was a good bit of growling involved, but all was in jest, said Crosby’s owner, Mansi Shah, 22. Mary Hui, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2017 Sturgeon said, somewhat in jest but making his point. Maureen Robertson, Ramona Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2017 See More Word History Etymology Noun Middle English gest, geste, jeste "chivalric romance, tale, heroic deed, exploit, action, amusement," borrowed from Anglo-French geste "heroic deed, romance, tale," borrowed from Latin gesta "deeds, exploits," plural of gestum "something carried out," noun derivative from neuter of gestus, past participle of gerere "to carry, bear, conduct one's business, act, perform, do," from a verb stem ges- of uncertain origin Note: The current senses of jest date from the 16th century. The Latin verb stem ges- is without evident Indo-European congeners. An old suggestion that it derives from h₂ǵ-es-, an extended form containing the zero grade of h₂eǵ- "drive" (see agent) has been revived (as, for example, by Michiel de Vaan in Etymological Dictionary of Latin and the Other Italic Languages, Brill, 2008; the original suggestion was by Hermann Osthoff in Beiträge zur Kunde der indogermanischen Sprachen, Band 19 [1893], pp. 320-22.) Parallel formations adduced by Osthoff are, however, questionable, as u̯es- (see wear entry 1) from eu̯- "put on (footwear)," not possible if the root is actually h₂eu̯(H)- (see exuviae). Latin ger-* is unlikely to have any relation to Old Norse kǫr "heap, pile," kǫstr "pile," kasta "to throw, fling" (see cast entry 1). Verb Middle English gesten "to recite romances," derivative of geste "chivalric romance, tale" — more at jest entry 1 First Known Use Noun circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Verb 1553, in the meaning defined above Phrases Containing jest in jest Surely you jest in jest Surely you jest Kids Definition jest 1 of 2 noun ˈjest 1 : a comic act or remark : joke 2 : a playful mood or manner He spoke of his adventure in jest. jest 2 of 2 verb jested; jesting : to make comic remarks : joke jest 1 of 2 noun 1 as in fun an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously you should know that our teasing was done entirely in jest Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance fun play flippancy game sport silliness facetiousness levity frivolity frivolousness frothiness flightiness light-mindedness Antonyms & Near Antonyms earnest seriousness earnestness gravity solemnity soberness sobriety See More 2 as in joke something said or done to cause laughter laughed politely at his feeble jest about his pet mosquito Synonyms & Similar Words joke laugh joking jape witticism funny giggle pleasantry wisecrack gag quip drollery sally josh waggery yak rib prank yuck scream boffo one-liner boff humorousness yuk parody nifty funning humor crack yock kidding raillery riot buffoonery trick banter mock antic comedy facetiousness boffola mockery persiflage wisecracking caper lampoon leg-pull repartee knee-slapper practical joke wit wordplay panic burlesque caricature funniness riff put-on monkeyshine(s) drollness hilariousness thigh-slapper 3 as in prank a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke putting a mouse in her desk drawer was intended to be a harmless jest Synonyms & Similar Words prank joking trick shine(s) antic escapade kidding gag adventure knavery waggery roguery experience caper capriccio frolic practical joke time dido lark monkeyshine(s) game rag shavie skylarking feat tomfoolery horseplay hijinks teasing deed performance hoax stunt rowdyism play roughhousing shenanigan(s) high jinks ruse whimsy vagary ploy gambit stratagem subterfuge fooling mission whimsey trickery whim deception conceit maneuver wile caprice deceit delusion sham hoodwinking fraud fancy hanky-panky 4 as in fool a person or thing that is made fun of his outlandish costumes made him the jest of the town Synonyms & Similar Words joke fool mock mockery derision target butt victim sport laughingstock mark pigeon gull monkey sucker chump dupe sap fall guy Antonyms & Near Antonyms favorite pet darling jest 2 of 2 verb as in to joke to make jokes when I asked my sister for a loan, she laughingly replied, "Surely you jest!" Synonyms & Similar Words joke fun jolly jape banter quip fool wisecrack yuck kid josh ridicule jibe gibe gag yuk amuse jive jeer tease parody chaff crack wise mock rib rag haze caricature satirize lampoon razz entertain rally divert Synonym Chooser Some common synonyms of jest are fun, game, play, and sport. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing. hurt by remarks said only in jest Although the words fun and jest have much in common, fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose. played cards just for fun Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun. made game of their poor relations The words play and jest can be used in similar contexts, but play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief. pretended to strangle his brother in play The words sport and jest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone. teasing begun in sport led to anger
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jest

noun

verb

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing jest

Kids Definition

noun

verb

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser