What does jesting mean?
Jesting means joking or teasing in a playful, often affectionate way. It can describe the general activity of making people laugh, as in a passage filled with light-hearted jesting, or refer more specifically to humorous remarks and behaviour. The word has a literary, traditional tone and is often associated with wit, merriment, and a sense of fun. It is not limited to spoken jokes: jesting may describe an entertainer whose performance depends on playful banter, or a group whose teasing creates a relaxed atmosphere. Because jesting can involve mockery, its effect depends on the relationship between the people involved and on the intention behind the humour. In favourable contexts, however, the word conveys lively, sociable humour and an ability to put difficult subjects aside for a moment.
The practice of joking or teasing in a playful manner; merrymaking.
"The evening was full of music, stories, and jesting."
More common in literary writing and descriptions of traditional entertainment than in everyday conversation.
Engaged in or characterized by playful joking.
"He answered her jesting questions with a broad smile."
This is a participial use and is often literary in tone.
Jesting belongs to the long tradition of laughter as a social tool: a jest can disarm tension, build rapport, and invite people to share the joke.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jesting come from?
Jesting derives from the English verb jest, which means to make jokes or joke. The verb is related to the noun jest and to the word jester, and it has older associations with merrymaking and playful amusement. Over time, the gerund form jesting became a literary noun and participial adjective describing joking or playful behaviour.
Related word forms
How jesting is actually used
Jesting is literary or somewhat old-fashioned in style. It usually suggests playful, good-natured amusement rather than hostile mockery, although context determines whether the humour is friendly or cutting.