Humorous vs. Funny: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on February 21, 2024
Humorous denotes intentional amusement often with wit or intellect, while funny broadly evokes laughter, whether planned or spontaneous.
Difference Between Humorous and Funny
Humorous and funny are terms that people often use interchangeably to describe something that makes them laugh. However, there are subtle differences between the two. Humorous usually implies a more sophisticated or intellectual form of amusement. It often relates to crafted jokes, literature, or remarks that are designed to be comical. Funny, on the other hand, has a wider spectrum, embracing anything that causes laughter or amusement, regardless of the intent.
Muazma Batool
Feb 16, 2024
For instance, a comedian might tell a story that's humorous because it uses wit or clever wordplay. On the same stage, another comedian might share an anecdote that's funny due to its absurdity or surprise element, without necessarily being witty. The humorous joke appeals to the intellect, while the funny story elicits pure, instinctive laughter.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 16, 2024
In daily situations, if someone wears a peculiar outfit unintentionally, observers might find it funny because it's out of place. However, if the same person wears it with a sarcastic nod to a current trend, it becomes a humorous statement. It's about the intention and perception behind the amusement.
Muazma Batool
Feb 16, 2024
Lastly, while humorous is generally seen as a subset of funny, the latter can also refer to things that are odd or strange, even if they don't evoke laughter. For example, a person might find a situation funny because it's unexpected or out of the norm, not necessarily because it made them laugh.
Jonathan
Feb 16, 2024
Humorous vs. Funny Comparison Chart
Definition
Intellectual or crafted amusement
Anything causing laughter or amusement
Muazma Batool
Feb 16, 2024
Common Usage
Witty remarks, satirical content
Slapstick, bizarre occurrences, general amusement
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 16, 2024
Associated Feeling
Light-hearted, intellectual laughter
Spontaneous, often hearty laughter
Jonathan
Feb 16, 2024
Humorous vs. Funny Definitions
◉Humorous
Pertaining to or characterized by humor.
His humorous take on politics is refreshing.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Humorous
Causing lighthearted laughter and amusement.
The play was filled with humorous dialogues.
Henry
Sep 16, 2023
◉Funny
Making or given to making amusing jokes or witticisms
a colleague who is very funny.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Humorous
Playfully jocular.
The teacher made a humorous remark to lighten the mood.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Funny
Appropriate as the subject of a joke; deserving of a joke. Used in negative sentences to express disapproval or to emphasize the seriousness of something
There is nothing funny about getting the flu.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Humorous
Displaying or expressing comedic elements.
The writer has a humorous style that engages readers.
Kaitlyn
Sep 16, 2023
◉Funny
Difficult to account for; unusual or odd
I had a funny feeling that she would call.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
Suspiciously odd
It's funny how I seem to lose something every time he comes around.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
Counterfeit or fraudulent
tried to pass off funny money as legitimate.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
(Informal) Somewhat ill, painful, or abnormal
I felt funny after eating those clams. "a mole on his arm that has started to go funny" (Ann Cummins).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
Offensively forward or disrespectful
She told him off after he started to get funny.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Humorous
Full of humor or arousing laughter; funny.
The waiters were so humorous - one even did a backflip for us, when we asked him.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
Contrary to one's demands or expectations
Don't let the prisoners do anything funny.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
A joke; a witticism
"He laughed because he did not know I was not making a funny" (Jonathan Safran Foer).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Humorous
(obsolete) Dependent on or caused by one's humour or mood; capricious, whimsical.
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May 03, 2023
◉Funny
Amusing; humorous; comical.
When I went to the circus, I only found the clowns funny.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Humorous
Subject to be governed by humor or caprice; irregular; capricious; whimsical.
Rough as a storm and humorous as the wind.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
Strange or unusual, often implying unpleasant.
The milk smelt funny so I poured it away.
I've got a funny feeling that this isn't going to work.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Humorous
Full of humor; jocular; exciting laughter; playful; as, a humorous story or author; a humorous aspect.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Humorous
full of or characterized by humor;
humorous stories
humorous cartoons
in a humorous vein
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
In a manner seen as being typical of a homosexual, or indicating homosexuality
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
arousing or provoking laughter;
an amusing film with a steady stream of pranks and pratfalls
an amusing fellow
a comic hat
a comical look of surprise
funny stories that made everybody laugh
a very funny writer
it would have been laughable if it hadn't hurt so much
a mirthful experience
risible courtroom antics
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected;
a curious hybrid accent
her speech has a funny twang
they have some funny ideas about war
had an odd name
the peculiar aromatic odor of cloves
something definitely queer about this town
what a rum fellow
singular behavior
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
not as expected;
there was something fishy about the accident
up to some funny business
some definitely queer goings-on
a shady deal
her motives were suspect
suspicious behavior
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
experiencing odd bodily sensations;
told the doctor about the funny sensations in her chest
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May 03, 2023
◉Funny
in a strange manner;
a queerly inscribed sheet of paper
he acted kind of funny
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Funny
Causing laughter or amusement.
The movie was so funny that I couldn't stop laughing.
Henry
Sep 16, 2023
◉Funny
Difficult to explain or understand; strange.
It's funny how things work out sometimes.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Humorous vs. Funny Frequently Asked Questions
Can something be funny without making you laugh?
Yes, funny can describe something odd or out of place, not just what makes you laugh.
Kaitlyn
Feb 16, 2024
Can a situation be both humorous and funny?
Yes, many situations can be both intentionally amusing (humorous) and evoke spontaneous laughter (funny).
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 16, 2024
Are all humorous jokes funny?
Typically, yes, humorous jokes are meant to be funny, but the laughter they evoke often comes from understanding the wit or wordplay.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 16, 2024
Which term is broader in its application?
Funny has a broader range of use and application.
Lucas
Feb 16, 2024
In literature, which term is often preferred?
Humorous is often used to describe literature that's crafted to be amusing with wit or clever narratives.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 16, 2024
What generally sets humorous apart from funny?
Humorous is often more intellectual and crafted for amusement.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 16, 2024
How is funny different in its breadth of use?
Funny covers anything that causes amusement, whether intentional or not.
Muazma Batool
Feb 16, 2024
Is humorous always intentional?
Generally, yes, humorous implies some form of crafted or intended amusement.
William
Feb 16, 2024
Would a slapstick comedy be described as humorous or funny?
While it can be both, it's predominantly described as funny due to its spontaneous comedic effects.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 16, 2024
Can an unintentional act be humorous?
Unintentional acts are usually described as funny, but they can be humorous if perceived with a certain witty context by observers.
Leo
Feb 16, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
