What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
comedian
Example
The comedian had the audience roaring with laughter throughout his entire performance. [comedian: noun]
Example
She is known for her witty and hilarious stand-up comedy routines. [comedy: adjective]
humorist
Example
Mark Twain is considered one of the greatest humorists in American literature. [humorist: noun]
Example
Her books are filled with clever and humorous observations about everyday life. [humorous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Comedian is more commonly used than humorist in everyday language, especially when referring to professional entertainers. Comedian is a widely recognized term, while humorist may be less familiar to some people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between comedian and humorist?
While comedian is generally associated with a more informal and casual tone, humorist can be seen as slightly more formal due to its connection with writing and literature. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
