Basic Details
Word: Witticism
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A clever or funny remark or expression.
Synonyms: Quip, jest, joke
Antonyms: Seriousness, solemnity
Idioms and Phrases
- Wit beyond measure: Referring to someone who has a lot of cleverness or talent. Example: "Her wit beyond measure made her the life of the party."
- Laugh at one's own witticism: To find amusement in one's own clever remarks. Example: "He always laughs at his own witticism, even when others don’t get the joke."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The comedian's witticism left the entire audience in fits of laughter.
Example 2: She is known for her sharp witticisms that brighten even the dullest conversations.
Example 3: His quick witticism during the debate surprised everyone and won him applause.
Fun Fact
The word "witticism" comes from the word "wit," which has its roots in Old English and Middle English, meaning "intelligence" or "mental sharpness." Over time, it evolved to describe someone’s ability to express clever ideas or jokes.
Famous Quote
"A witticism is the shortest distance between two minds." - George M. A. de la Tour
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "witticism" mean?
a) A type of animal
b) A clever or funny remark
c) A kind of food
d) A musical note
Answer: b) A clever or funny remark
2. Which of these is a synonym of "witticism"?
a) Quip
b) Frown
c) Sorrow
d) Silence
Answer: a) Quip
3. Which word is an antonym of "witticism"?
a) Joke
b) Jest
c) Solemnity
d) Quip
Answer: c) Solemnity
4. Which sentence uses "witticism" correctly?
a) The rain fell quickly like a witticism.
b) His witticism made everyone laugh during the meeting.
c) She drew a lovely witticism on the paper.
d) The witticism swam gracefully in the pond.
Answer: b) His witticism made everyone laugh during the meeting.
5. Which idiom relates to "witticism"?
a) Cold as ice
b) Wit beyond measure
c) A picture is worth a thousand words
d) An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Answer: b) Wit beyond measure
