Humor vs Humour
What’s the difference between them?
Humor
Meaning:
Humor is the quality of being amusing or comic, especially as expressed in literature or speech.
Examples:
1. His dry, self-depreciating humor had everyone in the room laughing.
2. She has a great sense of humor and can always lighten up a room.
3. The audience enjoyed the comedian's witty humor.
Humour
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in British English.
Examples:
1. His dry sense of humour had everyone in the room laughing uproariously.
2. She has a great sense of humour and her one-liners always make me chuckle.
3. His public speeches are full of witty humour that has become a trademark of his style.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Humor
comedy
hilarity
tragedy
Humour
comedy
hilarity
tragedy
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Humor", "Humour".
1. Humor is the preferred spelling in American English,
2. Humour is the preferred spelling in British English.
3. To remember the difference, you could think of the 'u' in Humour as standing for 'UK' or 'United Kingdom.'
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Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word, 'Humor'?
Humor is the spelling used in American English, so it is primarily used by native English speakers in the United States. This spelling can also be used by non-Americans who are familiar with American English. Humor can be used to describe the quality of comedy in a film or a book, as well as a person’s ability to make people laugh.
When to use the second word, 'Humour'?
Humour is the spelling used in British English, so it is primarily used by native English speakers in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. This spelling can also be used by non-British people who are familiar with British English. Humour can be used to describe the quality of comedy in a film or a book, as well as a person’s ability to make people laugh.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both words are pronounced the same when spoken. They are both pronounced as 'HYU-muhr'.
What are common mistakes associated with words?
One common mistake is making an incorrect assumption that only one spelling is correct. Both spellings, 'humor' and 'humour', are correct depending on the region. Additionally, people may confuse humor and irony. While humor is the comedic quality of something, irony is the contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I always enjoy British comedies; their sense of ___ is quite unique.
2. After moving to the United States, he started writing with a more American ___ in his articles.
3. The ___ in that cartoon is universal; anyone can understand it.
4. She loves reading magazines from the UK because they reflect British ___ and wit.
5. The sitcom, regardless of its origin, had a great ___ that resonated with audiences everywhere.
6. In New York, he performed stand-up comedy, showcasing his distinct sense of ___.
1. humour
Explanation: The sentence specifically mentions British comedies, making the British spelling humour appropriate.
2. humor
Explanation: The reference to the United States provides a hint towards the American spelling, making humor the correct choice.
3. humor/humour
Explanation: Theres no specific reference to either British or American context, so both spellings humor (American) and humour (British) are acceptable.
4. humour
Explanation: The sentence references magazines from the UK, indicating a British context. Thus, the British spelling humour fits best.
5. humor/humour
Explanation: The sentence doesnt have a clear indication of either British or American context. As such, both humor and humour are acceptable.
6. humor
Explanation: New York is a hint towards an American context, making the American spelling humor the most fitting choice.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.