Jocularly
What it means
In a cheerful, joking manner.
Reach for it when describing good-humored speech in formal or slightly old-fashioned prose
He jocularly introduced the dog as the office supervisor.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
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playful
in fun
Fits when plain language should reassure that no harm was meant
Careful Good intent alone does not ensure that the remark was harmless.
-
everyday
Fits when the statement should not be understood literally
Careful Jokingly marks nonliteral intent, even if the social manner feels cold.
-
warm
Fits when light affection makes the humor safe
Careful Playfully can modify nonverbal actions and is broader than joking.
-
professional
wittily
Fits when clever phrasing deserves explicit praise
Careful Wittily is wrong for a simple good-natured joke.
-
formal
facetiously
Fits when deliberate unseriousness about a serious topic is the fact
Careful Facetiously often carries criticism and may imply evasion.
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literary
genially
Fits when warm friendliness matters more than the joke
Careful Genially can describe sincere speech with no humor.
Opposites 3
- solemnly
- seriously
- coldly
Common phrases 3
-
jocularly observed
She jocularly observed that the kettle had joined the discussion.
-
jocularly called
He jocularly called the tiny shed the western headquarters.
-
speak jocularly
The chair could speak jocularly once the safety issue was resolved.
Word family 2
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Jocularly is rare. Jokingly or playfully will usually be clearer.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Flame, not lame, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated