What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frivolous
Example
She spent all her money on frivolous things like designer clothes and expensive jewelry. [frivolous: adjective]
Example
He was criticized for his frivolous attitude towards his studies. [frivolous: noun]
superficial
Example
Her knowledge of the subject was superficial and lacked depth. [superficial: adjective]
Example
He was accused of being superficial and only caring about how he looked. [superficial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Superficial is more commonly used than frivolous in everyday language. Superficial is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while frivolous is less common and refers to behavior or actions that are unnecessary or lacking in importance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frivolous and superficial?
Both frivolous and superficial are associated with an informal tone. However, superficial can also be used in formal contexts to describe a lack of depth or detail in a particular subject or area.
