Langimage
English

banters

|ban-ter|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈbæntər/

🇬🇧

/ˈbæntə/

(banter)

playful teasing

Base FormPluralPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounVerbAdjectiveAdverb
banterbantersbantersbantersbanteredbanteredbanteringbanter (banters)banter (banters, bantered, bantering)banteringbanteringly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'banter' is first recorded in English in the mid 17th century; the exact origin is uncertain and may be imitative or dialectal in nature.

Historical Evolution

'banter' appeared in early modern English with senses of 'to tease' or 'to mock' and developed into the modern sense of good-humored teasing and witty exchange.

Meaning Changes

Initially used for mocking or jeering, it gradually shifted toward lighter, playful teasing and witty conversation in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an exchange of light, playful, teasing remarks; good-humored joking or witty conversation.

Their banters kept the whole team laughing during the break.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

third-person singular present of 'banter': to exchange playful, teasing, or witty remarks with someone.

He banters with his coworkers every morning to break the ice.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2026/01/13 01:14