facetious
[fuh-see-shuh s]
- not meant to be taken seriously or literally: a facetious remark.
- amusing; humorous.
- lacking serious intent; concerned with something nonessential, amusing, or frivolous: a facetious person.
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Origin of facetious
Synonyms
See more synonyms for facetious on Thesaurus.com2. See humorous1.
Usage note
A term labeled Facetious in this dictionary is one that is used consciously for humorous or playful effect.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for facetiously
Contemporary Examples
Facetiously, Norquist adds, “That would raise revenue if we could get more of those 12-year-olds paying cigarette taxes.”
Historical Examples
I asked, facetiously, but I didn't feel in the least humorous.
Jane Journeys OnRuth Comfort Mitchell
"I thought it would come to that," says Mr. Snivel, facetiously.
An OutcastF. Colburn Adams
"To be popular with the people, is truly an honor," interrupts the lady, facetiously.
An OutcastF. Colburn Adams
They would jerk a thumb over a shoulder after him facetiously.
BonaventureGeorge Washington Cable
"Things like the March Hare, for example," suggested Paul facetiously.
Paul and the Printing PressSara Ware Bassett
facetious
- characterized by levity of attitude and love of jokinga facetious person
- jocular or amusing, esp at inappropriate timesfacetious remarks
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Word Origin
C16: from Old French facetieux, from facetie witty saying; see facetiae
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for facetiously
facetious
adj.
1590s, from French facétieux, from facétie "a joke" (15c.), from Latin facetia "jest, witticism," from facetus "witty, elegant, fine, courteous," of unknown origin, perhaps related to facis "torch."
It implies a desire to be amusing, often intrusive or ill-timed. Related: Facetiously; facetiousness. "Facetiæ in booksellers' catalogues, is, like curious, a euphemism for erotica." [Fowler]
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper