1. A joke or humorous remark: This is the most common definition of "jest." It refers to something said or done to make people laugh, often with a playful or lighthearted intention.
Example: "He told a jest about a man who lost his dentures."
2. To make a joke or humorous remark: This definition focuses on the action of joking, rather than the joke itself.
Example: "He jested about the weather, but his tone was serious."
3. To make fun of someone in a playful way: This definition implies a degree of mockery or teasing, but it is not meant to be hurtful or malicious.
Example: "She jested about his choice of clothing."
4. To make light of a serious matter: This definition suggests using humor to deal with something difficult or unpleasant.
Example: "He jested about his illness, trying to lighten the mood."
5. Something that is not serious or important: This definition emphasizes the lack of seriousness or consequence.
Example: "The whole situation was just a jest."
Ultimately, the best definition of "jest" will depend on the specific context and the intention of the speaker.