facete

Facete is an English adjective meaning cleverly witty or urbane in humor, typically used to describe remarks, humor, or style that is polished and insightful. It is uncommon in contemporary usage and is largely confined to literary or historical contexts.

Etymology and sense:

The term derives from the Latin facetus, meaning elegant or witty, and entered English via older Romance-language sources. The sense emphasizes refined wit and tasteful humor rather than crude or jocular jest.

Usage:

Because it is archaic, facete is often considered stylistically marked and is usually encountered in historical or literary writing. When used, facete humor or prose tends to be understated and sophisticated, aimed at a discerning audience. It is distinct from facetious, which more often implies lighthearted, sometimes inappropriate joking.

Examples:

A facete remark can diffuse tension without offending. The critic praised the author’s facete prose, noting its balance of clarity and cultivated humor.

See also:

facetious, urbane, wit, prose style

Notes:

As a rare and dated term, facete is typically replaced by more common synonyms like witty, urbane, or droll in modern writing. It remains of occasional interest to scholars studying historical prose or punctuation of wit.