What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pleasantry
Example
He greeted her with a pleasantry and a smile. [pleasantry: noun]
Example
The conversation was filled with pleasantries and small talk. [pleasantries: plural noun]
joke
Example
He told a joke that had everyone laughing. [joke: noun]
Example
She made a joke about the situation to lighten the mood. [joke: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Joke is more commonly used than pleasantry in everyday language. Joke is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pleasantry is less common and refers to a polite or friendly remark.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pleasantry and joke?
Pleasantry is typically associated with a formal or polite tone, while joke can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
