jesting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'jesting' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe a person's speech or behavior that is intended to be humorous or entertaining. Example: She greeted him with a jesting remark.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

In the Nicomachean Ethics (4, 8) he warns that "Most people enjoy amusement and jesting more than they should … a jest is a kind of mockery, and lawgivers forbid some kinds of mockery perhaps they ought to have forbidden some kinds of jesting".

SEP

JOHN McCAIN is a master of jesting about his advanced years.

The Economist

It's hard to know if Atwood is jesting.

Independent

See the art of jesting at Corfe Castle (01929 481294; www.nationaltrust.co.uk) including stilt walking and juggling and attend "fools' school" circus skills workshops on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Independent

Incensed by More's boycott, Anne thirsted for revenge after discovering that, although some friends of his had urged him to attend her coronation and he'd accepted £20 from them to buy a new gown, he'd stayed at home, jesting with his benefactors'.

Independent

Before leaving, Pan said, in a jesting tone, "So, nothing to do with me this evening?" "Go off," Zhang replied dryly.

The New Yorker

But much of the forlornness of the frightening spaces in Beckett — the little rooms, the blasted heaths, the madhouses, the ditch in the rain, the country road with its one tree, the little glass jar near the slaughterhouse, and all the sequestered, jesting minds — is that these are sites forsaken by meaning, bereft of sense.

The New Yorker

But they are the opposite of solemn; Goethe delights in his burlesque Mephistopheles, always mocking and jesting, as he does in the wild coincidences and improbabilities of Wilhelm's career.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

An even harsher blow was dealt by the anti-clerical frolics of the "all-mad, all-jesting, all-drunken assembly" created by Peter and his friends.

The Economist

In a Times piece from September, 2000, Robert Pear and John Broder wrote, "Colleagues say, half-jesting, that he has an evil twin named Skippy, who is invoked to bring order to an unruly White House".

The New Yorker

"Basically, we make garbage because that's where it ends up," he said in his half-jesting way.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "jesting", ensure the context aligns with playful or humorous intent. It adds a layer of lightheartedness or gentle mockery to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "jesting" when the intent is to express sarcasm or biting wit. Sarcasm carries a sharper edge, while "jesting" typically implies a more amiable and less confrontational form of humor.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "jesting" is to act as a present participle or gerund of the verb "jest", describing an action or state of being. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns or serving as part of a verb phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jesting" is a versatile term used to inject humor or playful mockery into various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and well-suited for both writing and speech. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, "jesting" maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for many situations. Be mindful of its distinction from sarcasm to ensure the intended tone is accurately conveyed. Related phrases like "joking" or "bantering" can provide alternative expressions for similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joking

This is a direct synonym, implying lighthearted fun and amusement in a very similar way.

jestful

This is a synonym highlighting a state of mind filled with jest and amusement

jocular

Describes a personality or manner characterized by joking and good humor.

bantering

Implies a playful and teasing exchange of remarks, emphasizing the back-and-forth nature of the humor.

facetious

Suggests a playful or humorous intent, sometimes inappropriately or at an inopportune moment.

teasing

Focuses on playfully provoking someone, often with gentle mockery or humor.

waggish

Implies a mischievous or playful sense of humor, often involving clever or witty remarks.

mocking

Suggests a more critical or scornful form of humor, often intended to ridicule or belittle.

ribbing

Similar to teasing, but implies a friendly and familiar context where lighthearted jokes are common.

pranking

Focuses on practical jokes or playful tricks, often involving elaborate planning or execution.

FAQs

How can I use "jesting" in a sentence?

You can use "jesting" to describe someone's behavior or remarks. For example, "He made a "jesting remark" about her new hairstyle", or "She approached the situation with a "jesting attitude"".

What are some synonyms for "jesting"?

Some synonyms for "jesting" include "joking", "bantering", "teasing", and "mocking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "jesting" formal or informal?

"Jesting" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally perceived as less formal than words like "humorous" or "witty". Its suitability depends on the overall tone and audience.

What's the difference between "jesting" and "joking"?

While "jesting" and "joking" are similar, "jesting" often implies a more playful or teasing manner, whereas "joking" is a broader term for any kind of humorous remark. "Jesting" might suggest a more lighthearted or less serious form of humor.