frivolous
[ friv-uh-luhs ]
/ ˈfrɪv ə ləs /
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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.
SYNONYMS FOR frivolous
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “THEIR,” “THERE,” AND “THEY’RE”
Are you aware how often people swap around “their,” “there,” and “they’re”? Prove you have more than a fair grasp over these commonly confused words.
Question 1 of 7
Which one of these commonly confused words can act as an adverb or a pronoun?
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, nounWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH frivolous
frivolity, frivolousnessWords nearby frivolous
Friuli, Friulian, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, frivol, frivolity, frivolous, frivolously, friz, frizette, frizz, frizzante
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for frivolous
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), nounWord Origin for frivolous
C15: from Latin frīvolus silly, worthless
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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