Word of the Day

: June 2, 2007

jocose

adjective joh-KOHSS

What It Means

1 : given to joking : merry

2 : characterized by joking : humorous

jocose in Context

In the office, Ellie's lively, jocose personality keeps everyone smiling and upbeat.

Did You Know?

When you need a word to describe something (or someone) that causes or is intended to cause laughter, you might pick "jocose" or a synonym such as "humorous," "witty," "facetious," or "jocular." Of those terms, "humorous" is the most generic and can be applied to anything that provokes laughter. "Witty" suggests cleverness and a quick mind, while "facetious" is a word for something that is not meant to be taken seriously. "Jocose" and "jocular" both imply a habitual waggishness and a fondness for joking.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.