noun
Uncommon
jest
jehst
Jest (noun) means a remark or action meant as a joke rather than seriously. Example: “Only in jest," he added, seeing her face fall.”
noun
1
A remark or action meant as a joke rather than seriously.
""Only in jest," he added, seeing her face fall."
"What began as a jest turned into a genuine plan."
verb
1
To joke or speak playfully rather than seriously.
"She was only jesting when she said she'd quit."
How to use jest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA joke, or the act of joking, especially something said playfully rather than meant literally.
Memory tip
The set phrase "in jest" means "as a joke, not seriously" — useful for softening or clarifying a comment.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
in jest
jest about something
only jesting
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Word forms
- Plural
- jests
- Third person singular
- jests
- Past tense
- jested
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"Only in _____," he added, seeing her face fall.
Etymology
From an Old French word for "deeds" or "exploits", which in English narrowed down over time from storytelling to joking around.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for jest
See all rhymes for 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.
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