jest
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for jest, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A remark or action meant as a joke rather than seriously.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use jest
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From an Old French word for "deeds" or "exploits", which in English narrowed down over time from storytelling to joking around.
Full origin of jest →Frequently asked questions
What does “jest” mean?
The word “jest” means a remark or action meant as a joke rather than seriously. In plain terms, a joke, or the act of joking, especially something said playfully rather than meant literally.
How do you pronounce “jest”?
“Jest” is pronounced jehst (/d͡ʒɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “jest” in a sentence?
Here is “jest” used in a sentence: “"Only in jest," he added, seeing her face fall.”
What part of speech is “jest”?
Depending on how it is used, “jest” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “jest” come from?
The word “jest” comes from Old French. From an Old French word for "deeds" or "exploits", which in English narrowed down over time from storytelling to joking around.
Is “jest” a common word?
“Jest” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “jest” have?
“Jest” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a remark or action meant as a joke rather than seriously.