Jocosely
adv.joyful, kindliterary
What it means
In a playful, joking manner.
Reach for it when describing light verbal humor in deliberately formal or old-fashioned prose
She jocosely warned that the last biscuit was under guard.
Choose between these
6- playful
with a wink
informal wording marks a knowingly unserious message
not when A wink can imply secrecy, exclusion, or innuendo.
- everyday
the remark is not intended literally
not when Jokingly is neutral and says less about cheerful style.
- warm
light affection or fun shapes the action
not when Playfully need not involve speech or a joke.
- professional
facetiously
deliberate levity about a serious subject is meant
not when Facetiously often signals poor timing or insincerity.
- formal
wittily
clever phrasing is the source of humor
not when Wittily overclaims when the remark is merely silly.
- literary
good spirits accompany the joking
not when Merrily also fits movement or song, not just joking speech.
Said against
3- seriously
- solemnly
- earnestly
It naturally appears in
3- speak jocosely
Old friends may speak jocosely about the crooked cake, not the nervous baker.
- jocosely observed
She jocosely observed that the cat had chaired the meeting.
- jocosely warned
The guide jocosely warned visitors about the goose near the gate.
The word family
3Usage notes
Jocosely is uncommon and may distract readers. Jokingly is usually the clearer choice.