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frivolous

[ friv-uh-luhs ]
/ ˈfrɪv ə ləs /
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See synonyms for: frivolous / frivolously / frivolousness on Thesaurus.com

adjective
characterized by lack of seriousness or sense: frivolous conduct.
self-indulgently carefree; unconcerned about or lacking any serious purpose.
(of a person) given to trifling or undue levity: a frivolous, empty-headed person.
of little or no weight, worth, or importance; not worthy of serious notice: a frivolous suggestion.
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Origin of frivolous

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin frīvolus “worthless, trifling”; see -ous

OTHER WORDS FROM frivolous

friv·o·lous·ly, adverbfriv·o·lous·ness, nounun·friv·o·lous, adjectiveun·friv·o·lous·ness, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH frivolous

frivolity, frivolousness
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use frivolous in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for frivolous

frivolous
/ (ˈfrɪvələs) /

adjective
not serious or sensible in content, attitude, or behaviour; sillya frivolous remark
unworthy of serious or sensible treatment; unimportantfrivolous details

Derived forms of frivolous

frivolously, adverbfrivolousness or frivolity (frɪˈvɒlɪtɪ), noun

Word Origin for frivolous

C15: from Latin frīvolus silly, worthless
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
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