B1noun 3K

Jest

UK //dʒɛst// US //dʒɛst// Pronunciation

Definition

A playful or humorous act or remark; a joke.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A joke or something said to make people laugh.

Examples

• His comment was meant as a jest, not to offend anyone.
• They shared a jest that made everyone burst into laughter.
• In the spirit of jest, he teased his friend about their new haircut.
• The jest caught everyone off guard, but it was clearly in good fun.
• She made a jest about the weather that lightened the mood at the party.

Usage notes

Used in informal contexts to indicate humor or joking. Less common in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'jest' as a 'jest-er' who jokes.

Collocations

• play a jest
• make a jest
• with all jest

Synonyms

• joke
• quip
• gag
• witticism
• jesting

Antonyms

• seriousness
• solemnity

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'jest' as a verb; it only functions as a noun.
• Misunderstood as a serious term when it is primarily humorous.