droll

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "droll" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is amusing in an odd or whimsical way. Example: "His droll sense of humor always lightens the mood during our meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But much of the transformation of the Queen's image, from the chilly, notoriously philistinic matriarch who couldn't care less about Diana to an ever more droll and sympathetic mentor to pitifully grateful prime ministers is surely attributable to Mirren's superb acting, and to the writers who have increasingly depicted the monarch as – so long as you are not Margaret Thatcher – fabulous company.

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: Benedict Cumberbatch is just what was ordered for Doctor Strange Thanks to its fiendish storylines and droll humour, Sherlock has been a critical and audience hit for the BBC.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But in Every Kind Of Way, lead singer Sam Hales does an excellent Beck impression with a delightfully droll monologue set to a perky cowbell beat and squelches of high-pitched guitar noise.

The Guardian - Music

Lebedev wrote a droll comment piece on Jeremy Paxman's beard for the paper some 18 months ago, which described the Standard proprietor in the standfirst as "London's beard guru".

The Guardian

Mr Morris is extraordinarily charming, gifted with a radio man's voice and a droll sense of humour.

The Economist

Wittily unrepentant, in droll Cockney fashion, Mr Biggs became a minor celebrity, portrayed as a symbol of loveable villainy and working-class defiance; in 1978 he recorded a single, "No one is innocent" with The Sex Pistols, a punk band.

The Economist

They must also accommodate Wahhabist clerics who expect rewards for sanctioning absolute monarchy, technocrats who actually manage the country and even, sometimes, those of their subjects who grow restive, and demand a voice beyond presenting personal petitions at royal receptions.In a smaller country this all might be dismissed as quaintly droll.

The Economist

These episodes are a foil to the comedy, which, in the hands of scriptwriter Simon Beaufoy ("Slumdog Millionaire", "The Full Monty"), is both heart-warming and droll.

The Economist

In a droll reversal of the presidential election, Mr Ortega cried fraud (as did his opponent).In this section The tortoise and the hare A test of will Byte by byte The resurrection Reprints Related items Mexico: Reforms at lastSep 20th 2007 Mexico: Boring onJul 5th 2007The result showed the depth of the PRD's divisions.

The Economist

As it is, Price combines the pluck of Emily Gould with the droll wit of Mary Roach and the inventive perversity of a12-year-old boy to produce a book that hammers home a useful message: "Travel should be an adventure, not an assignment," she writes.

The Economist

Come on, Jeff, compare Hillary Clinton to Kublai Khan or Marshall Ney or something.8 50 : In a brilliant stroke of audience targeting, CNN runs an anti-meth ad between episodes of its thus far droll commentary.8 48 : Oh man, it's going to be a long night.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "droll" to describe humor that is understated, ironic, or subtly amusing, often found in writing or character portrayals.

Common error

Avoid using "droll" when describing overtly silly or slapstick humor. "Droll" implies a more subdued and intellectual form of amusement.

Linguistic Context

"Droll" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a particular quality of humor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes something oddly humorous or whimsically amusing. Examples show its application in describing commentary, characters, and artistic styles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

18%

Independent

18%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "droll" describes something oddly humorous or whimsically amusing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and its frequency is very common, particularly in News & Media. When writing with "droll", remember that it describes subtle and intellectual humor. Consider using related phrases like "oddly funny" or "whimsically amusing" for alternative expressions. Ludwig's analysis shows that "droll" is frequently found in authoritative sources such as The Economist and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oddly funny

This stresses the unusual or peculiar source of amusement.

humorously peculiar

This underlines the strange or unusual character of the humor.

dryly humorous

This indicates a subtle and understated form of humor.

wryly amusing

This suggests a blend of humor and irony.

whimsically amusing

This emphasizes the playful and imaginative nature of the humor.

unconventionally amusing

This points to the non-traditional or unexpected nature of the humor.

comically quaint

This alternative highlights the humorous aspect while also emphasizing the old-fashioned or unusual nature of the humor.

quaintly funny

This highlights the charmingly old-fashioned quality of the humor.

facetiously witty

This implies a lighthearted and sometimes inappropriate form of wit.

jocularly comical

This emphasizes the playful and light-hearted nature of the humor.

FAQs

How can I use "droll" in a sentence?

You can use "droll" to describe something that is amusing in an odd or whimsical way. For example: "His droll sense of humor always lightens the mood during our meetings."

What can I say instead of "droll"?

You can use alternatives like "oddly funny", "whimsically amusing", or "dryly humorous" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "droll" and "funny"?

"Droll" suggests a more subtle, understated, and perhaps ironic humor, while "funny" is a more general term for anything that causes amusement.

Is "droll" a formal or informal word?

"Droll" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to be more common in written or slightly elevated speech. It is not slang or overly casual.