What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
facetious
Example
He made a facetious comment about the situation, trying to lighten the mood. [facetious: adjective]
Example
She couldn't resist making a facetious remark about his new haircut. [facetiously: adverb]
frivolous
Example
Buying expensive clothes when you can't afford rent is a frivolous decision. [frivolous: adjective]
Example
She spent the whole day on frivolous activities instead of studying for her exam. [frivolously: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frivolous is more commonly used than facetious in everyday language. Frivolous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while facetious is less common and is usually used in specific situations where humor or playfulness is appropriate.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between facetious and frivolous?
Both facetious and frivolous are informal words, but facetious can be used in a wider range of formality levels than frivolous. Facetious can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, while frivolous is generally more informal and casual.
