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View synonyms for frivolous

frivolous

[ friv-uh-luhs ]

adjective

  1. characterized by lack of seriousness or sense:

    frivolous conduct.

  2. self-indulgently carefree; unconcerned about or lacking any serious purpose.
  3. (of a person) given to trifling or undue levity:

    a frivolous, empty-headed person.

    Synonyms: puerile, childish, foolish, silly, idle

    Antonyms: serious

  4. of little or no weight, worth, or importance; not worthy of serious notice:

    a frivolous suggestion.

    Synonyms: flimsy, trivial, paltry, petty, trifling, light

    Antonyms: weighty



frivolous

/ ˈfrɪvələs; frɪˈvɒlɪtɪ /

adjective

  1. not serious or sensible in content, attitude, or behaviour; silly

    a frivolous remark

  2. unworthy of serious or sensible treatment; unimportant

    frivolous details

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈfrivolously, adverb
  • ˈfrivolousness, noun
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Other Words From

  • friv·o·lous·ly adverb
  • friv·o·lous·ness noun
  • un·friv·o·lous adjective
  • un·friv·o·lous·ness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of frivolous1

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin frīvolus “worthless, trifling”; -ous
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Word History and Origins

Origin of frivolous1

C15: from Latin frīvolus silly, worthless
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Example Sentences

During negotiations to establish the ICC, the US argued that its soldiers might be the subject of politically motivated or frivolous prosecutions.

From BBC

“It is obvious that the frivolous lawsuit filed against my firm is an aggressive attempt to intimidate or silence me and ultimately my clients,” Buzbee wrote in a statement.

In a statement, it described the investigation as “frivolous” and said “all temporary and full-time workers understand the hazards and appropriate safety measures of their assigned role.”

The goal of those threatening legal action, no matter how frivolous, is “to suppress criticism,” Jassin says.

Gershman decried the "repetitive legal ploys, frivolous arguments and gamesmanship" Trump's legal team engaged in to delay his cases and the Supreme Court and Judhge Cannon's role in making the lawyers' gambit "a huge success."

From Salon

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frivolityfrivolously