What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flippant
Example
She made a flippant comment about the tragedy, which offended many people. [flippant: adjective]
Example
He was being flippant during the meeting, which showed his lack of interest in the topic. [flippant: adjective]
frivolous
Example
Buying expensive clothes when you have no money is a frivolous decision. [frivolous: adjective]
Example
She spent all her time on frivolous activities instead of studying for her exams. [frivolous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frivolous is more commonly used than flippant in everyday language. Frivolous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while flippant is less common and refers to a more specific type of behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flippant and frivolous?
Both flippant and frivolous are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, flippant may be considered more informal due to its sarcastic or mocking tone.
