What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
humor
Example
The comedian's humor was well-received by the audience. [humor: noun]
Example
She has a great sense of humor and always makes me laugh. [humor: noun]
Example
He approached the situation with humor and made everyone feel more relaxed. [humor: noun]
comedy
Example
I love watching comedy shows on TV. [comedy: noun]
Example
The movie we saw last night was a hilarious comedy. [comedy: adjective]
Example
The situation was so absurd that it bordered on comedy. [comedy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Comedy is more commonly used than humor in everyday language, especially when referring to a particular work of art or entertainment. However, humor is still a common term that is used to describe a person's personality or a particular situation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between humor and comedy?
Both humor and comedy can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but comedy is more likely to be associated with a casual or lighthearted tone.