Jokingly
What it means
In a way intended to amuse rather than to be taken literally.
Reach for it when showing that the delivery changes the meaning of the words
She jokingly appointed the sleepy cat as chair of the committee.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday |
|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
tongue-in-cheek
Fits when an ironic claim is offered with a straight face
Careful The phrase fits covert irony better than obvious laughter.
-
everyday
teasingly
Fits when the speaker lightly provokes someone familiar
Careful Teasingly focuses on a target and can suggest flirtation or irritation.
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warm
Fits when gentle affection shapes the action or remark
Careful Playfully can cover movement and experimentation without any verbal joke.
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professional
lightly
Fits when a restrained tone prevents the comment from feeling heavy
Careful Lightly may soften a remark without making it humorous.
-
formal
facetiously
Fits when a knowingly unserious answer is the point
Careful Facetiously can signal annoyance or poor judgment, not friendly amusement.
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literary
wryly
Fits when dry humor includes irony or rueful insight
Careful Wryly adds emotional complexity absent from uncomplicated joking.
Opposites 3
- seriously
- solemnly
- sincerely
Common phrases 3
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said jokingly
He said jokingly that the tiny office required a map.
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asked jokingly
Mara asked jokingly whether the pie had its own security detail.
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suggested jokingly
They suggested jokingly that the stubborn printer needed a holiday.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated