jest
jest
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "jest" is:
dʒɛst
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
jest (1 syllable)
dʒ - voiced postalveolar affricate (similar to the "j" sound in "jump")
ɛ - near-open front unrounded vowel (similar to the "e" in "bet")
s - voiceless alveolar fricative (similar to the "s" sound in "sip")
t - voiceless alveolar plosive (similar to the "t" sound in "top")
Word Form Variations
The word "jest" has several word form variations depending on its function in the sentence:
Singular:
jest (noun): This is the base form used to refer to a single joke or humorous remark.
Plural:
jests (noun): This is used when referring to multiple jokes or humorous remarks.
Verb:
jesting (present participle): This indicates the action of joking or teasing playfully.
jested (past tense and past participle): This refers to the action of having joked or teased playfully in the past.
Example:
He told a jest (singular noun) to lighten the mood. (Here, "jest" refers to a single joke)
The children exchanged jests (plural noun) as they played. (Here, "jests" refers to multiple jokes)
They were always jesting (present participle) with each other. (Here, "jesting" describes the ongoing action of joking)
We had all jested (past tense) about the situation before, but now it was serious. (Here, "jested" describes a completed action of joking in the past)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Jest: A playful remark or action intended to be funny. (Synonyms: joke, wisecrack, quip, pleasantry; Antonyms: seriousness, solemnity, dourness)
Jest: A mocking or teasing remark, sometimes used to taunt. (Synonyms: gibe, barb, taunt, jeer; Antonyms: compliment, praise, flattery)
Verb:
Jest: To speak or act playfully in a humorous way. (Synonyms: joke, quip, wisecrack, kid around; Antonyms: be serious, be solemn, be sombre)
Jest: To speak or act in a mocking or teasing way, sometimes to taunt. (Synonyms: gibe, jeer, taunt, needle; Antonyms: compliment, praise, flatter)
Examples of Use
Noun (playful):
Book: "Falstaff, a character full of jests and wit, brings comic relief to Shakespeare's Henry IV plays." (Literature reference)
Newspaper: "The comedian's opening jest had the audience roaring with laughter." (News article)
Online Publication: "The viral video captured a group of friends exchanging good-natured jests during a game night." (Social media post)
Entertainment (Movie): "In the Marvel movies, Tony Stark is known for his witty jests that often break the tension." (Movie dialogue)
Public Discourse: "During the political debate, one candidate used a lighthearted jest to deflect a personal attack." (News report)
Noun (mocking):
Book: "In Jane Eyre, the cruel remarks directed at the protagonist could be interpreted as malicious jests." (Literary analysis)
Newspaper: "The online trolls resorted to hateful jests directed at the public figure." (News commentary)
Online Publication: "The comment section was filled with jests aimed at the celebrity's recent fashion choice." (Social media comment)
Entertainment (Stand-up Comedy): "The stand-up comedian used self-deprecating jests to poke fun at his own shortcomings." (Stand-up routine)
Public Discourse: "Some critics view the political cartoon as a disrespectful jest aimed at the leader." (Political commentary)
Verb (playful):
Book: "The children jested back and forth as they built sandcastles on the beach." (Novel excerpt)
Newspaper: "The colleagues often jested with each other to lighten the mood in the busy office." (Workplace article)
Online Publication: "The online chat room was filled with users jesting about the latest internet meme." (Online forum discussion)
Entertainment (TV Series): "The witty banter between the characters on the sitcom often involves jesting about everyday situations." (TV show dialogue)
Public Discourse: "The friends jested about getting lost during their hike, despite feeling a tinge of worry." (Casual conversation)
Verb (mocking):
Book: "The bullies jested at the new student, making him feel unwelcome." (School story)
Newspaper: "The opposing team's fans jested at the losing team's performance." (Sports article)
Online Publication: "The online trolls jested at the victim's misfortune, sparking outrage in the community." (Social media news)
Entertainment (Song Lyrics): "The song lyrics depict a scorned lover who jests at their ex's new relationship." (Song analysis)
Public Discourse: "The politician's opponents jested at his qualifications for the job." (Political debate transcript)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Jest
While there aren't ten exact quotes featuring the word "jest" itself, here are ten famous quotes that capture the essence of the word in its various forms:
"Many a true word is spoken in jest." (Proverb) - This proverb highlights how humour can sometimes reveal hidden truths.
"A jest's prosperity lies in the ear of him that hears it." (William Shakespeare, Hamlet) - This quote emphasises how the success of a joke depends on the listener's interpretation.
"Wit loses its relish if given too freely, and wine its strength if watered down." (Leonardo da Vinci) - Similar to the previous quote, this emphasises the importance of timing and delivery when using humour.
"Life is short, and it's here to be lived." (Katharine Hepburn) - This quote embodies the lighthearted spirit of jesting and enjoying life's moments.
"Don't take yourself too seriously. Nobody else does." (Anonymous) - This quote encourages a playful attitude, similar to the playful nature of jesting.
"Seriousness is one of the great strengths of youth. It is also one of the great weaknesses." (Somerset Maugham) - This quote highlights the balance between seriousness and playful jesting.
"The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions." (Confucius) - This quote contrasts with jesting, but speaks to the importance of knowing when to be serious.
"Laughter is the best medicine." (Proverb) - This proverb emphasises the positive and playful nature of jesting, highlighting its potential health benefits.
"As for jokes, they should be created, not quoted." (George Bernard Shaw) - This quote, while not about jesting directly, emphasises the importance of originality and wit, key elements in good jesting.
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." (Mahatma Gandhi) - This quote encourages a balance between enjoying the present (like jesting) and taking life seriously for long-term goals.
Etymology
The word "jest" actually comes from a more serious ancestor! The journey goes like this:
Way back when: In Latin, they had a word "gesta" which meant "acts" or "deeds." Imagine someone telling stories about brave warriors' acts - that's "gesta."
French twist: Old French borrowed "gesta" and turned it into "geste," which still meant "acts" or "exploits," but could also refer to stories about those acts.
Middle English makes it playful: Around the 14th century, English borrowed "geste" from French and changed it to "jest." But here's the twist: the meaning shifted from serious acts to lighthearted ones. Now "jest" meant telling a funny story or playful remark.
Modern twist: Today, "jest" can still be a funny remark, but it can also be a teasing or mocking one.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Jest
In Jest: This is the most common phrase and simply means "as a joke" or "not seriously."
Break a Jest: To tell a joke or humorous remark.
Bandying Jests: To playfully exchange jokes or teasing remarks back and forth.
Jest in Earnest: This is a paradox, meaning to joke seriously, which can be confusing or ironic.
Many a True Word is Spoken in Jest: This proverb suggests that jokes can sometimes contain underlying truths.
Carry a Jest Too Far: To take a joke too seriously or continue a joke past the point of being funny.
Posts Related to Jest
Source Information
Definition of jest from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
