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

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

According to Heard's legal team, who argued that both the nudes and her past work as a dancer were "irrelevant," Depp's lawyers wanted to erroneously: "frivolously and maliciously suggest or imply that Ms. Heard was at one time an escort."

From Salon

She spends frivolously, and we’ve tried to discourage her—refusing to join in streaming services when she’s offered us a username, inviting her to eat at our homes instead of going out, asking her not to buy us Christmas or birthday presents.

From Slate

Related Words

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