Humorous

adj.joyful, energeticeveryday

What it means

Designed or inclined to make people see something as amusing.

Reach for it when describing a person, story, or observation that invites laughter

Her humorous account of the detour kept the delayed passengers relaxed.

everyday
funny
direct, ordinary language for causing laughter is best
not when Funny can also mean strange or suspicious, a meaning humorous avoids.
everyday
hilarious
the laughter is unusually strong
not when Hilarious overstates a dry smile or quietly clever line.
warm
lighthearted
a cheerful absence of heaviness is the benefit
not when Lighthearted material need not be humorous enough to make anyone laugh.
warm
playful
lightness and gentle fun matter more than actual laughs
not when Playful behavior can be energetic without containing a joke.
professional
witty
quick verbal cleverness creates the amusement
not when Witty is wrong for broad physical comedy or accidental humor.
formal
amusing
the effect is pleasantly entertaining rather than uproarious
not when Amusing may be faint praise for someone known for sharp humor.
literary
comical
appearance or action seems exaggeratedly funny
not when It can make a serious person or mishap sound ridiculous.
literary
droll
odd, restrained humor is delivered with a straight face
not when Its uncommon tone may obscure the compliment in casual writing.

humorous story
His humorous story turned a missed train into the evening's best memory.
humorous person
A humorous person can ease tension without making anyone the target.
humorous observation
Her humorous observation about the tiny lift made the whole group smile.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.