frivolously

[ friv-uh-luhs-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is characterized by lack of seriousness, good sense, or any worthwhile purpose:

   He had an income comfortable enough that he could spend some of it frivolously and extravagantly.

   I'm not asking the question frivolously; I am in earnest.

Other Words From

• un·friv·o·lous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of frivolously¹

frivolous ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

"This would have been an opportunity to look into the camera and say sorry but instead he talked frivolously about a matter that has led to suicide attempts by victims," he added.

From BBC

Who else did the co-sponsor of the Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act frivolously sue that year?

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a . . . creative metaphor for the dangers of having too much power and wielding it frivolously without fear of the consequences.

From Salon

“We can’t throw things to space frivolously and say, ‘Well, if it doesn’t work, let’s build another one.’”

From Science Magazine

“When you’re a kid frivolously playing with something you think is a toy, this is what happens.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• casually
• delicately
• easily
• faintly
• freely
• gingerly
• mildly
• moderately
• quietly
• simply
• slightly
• softly
• sparsely
• subtly
• tenderly
• thinly