goodhumoured

Good-humoured is an English adjective describing a disposition or demeanor that is cheerful, patient, and disposed to respond to situations with good humor. A good-humoured person tends to be easy to get along with, tolerant, and capable of laughing at themselves or life’s mishaps. The term can also describe a remark, comment, or atmosphere that is light-hearted and free from bitterness.

Spelling and usage vary by variant of English. In British English, the common form is good-humoured, with -our and a hyphen. In American English, good-humored is typical, using -or and a hyphen. Both forms are widely understood, and hyphenation is common to clarify that the phrase modifies a noun. The noun forms are good humour (British) or good humor (American), referring to mood or spirit rather than the adjective itself.

Etymology-wise, the word derives from good plus humour (British) or humor (American). Historically linked to the old theory that bodily fluids called humours influenced temperament, the term has evolved to describe a cheerful, amiable, and agreeable demeanor rather than physiology.

Related terms include good-natured, jovial, and amiable, which share the sense of pleasant sociability. Antonyms include ill-tempered, dour, and sour. Good-humoured remains a versatile descriptor in both written and spoken English, applicable to people, remarks, and social environments.