facetious

American  

[fuh-see-shuhs] / fəˈsi ʃəs /

adjective

1. not meant to be taken seriously or literally.

   a facetious remark.

2. amusing; humorous.

3. lacking serious intent; concerned with something nonessential, amusing, or frivolous.

   a facetious person.

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facetious British  

/ fəˈsiːʃəs /

adjective

1. characterized by levity of attitude and love of joking

   a facetious person

2. jocular or amusing, esp at inappropriate times

   facetious remarks

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Usage

A term labeled Facetious in this dictionary is one that is used consciously for humorous or playful effect.

Related Words

See humorous ¹.

Other Word Forms

• facetiously adverb
• facetiousness noun
• nonfacetious adjective
• nonfacetiously adverb
• nonfacetiousness noun
• unfacetious adjective
• unfacetiously adverb
• unfacetiousness noun

Etymology

Origin of facetious

First recorded in 1585–95; from Middle French facecieux, facetieux, from facetie “a jest,” from Latin facētia “a jest, witticism” ( facetiae ) + -ious

Compare meaning

How does facetious compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• facetious vs. sarcastic

Example Sentences

With such a heavy subject matter, Clunes says he deals with it by being a "little facetious", despite taking his work seriously.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Claire, I know this sounds like I’m being facetious, but I do feel like it’s a detail that says a lot about Aggie and her headspace at the time.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

“And I’m not being facetious, like just bring extra underwear,” he said.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

It’s impossible to write those words without sounding facetious, but, reader: This time they fit.

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2023

He put his hands on my shoulders, and said, in tones facetious, “See, Prince O., we’re alike in more than just our skin.”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson