jest
Translation
jest, joke, quip
Examples
His comment was made in jest.
His comment was made in jest.
Many a true word is spoken in jest.
Many a true word is spoken in jest.
Grammar Patterns
((a jest)) a joke or witty remark. He made a jest about the situation.
((in jest)) not seriously; as a joke. I only said it in jest.
Similar Words
Synonyms: joke, quip, wisecrack; Antonyms: seriousness, gravity
Etymology
From Old French 'geste', meaning 'a story of exploits', which later came to mean 'a mocking story'.
Memory Tips
Think of a court 'jester' whose job is to tell a 'jest' (joke).