frivolity

[ fri-vol-i-tee ]

noun

, plural fri·vol·i·ties

1. the quality or state of being frivolous:

   the frivolity of Mardi Gras.

   Synonyms: foolishness, irresponsibility, self-indulgence, levity, abandon, triviality

2. a frivolous act or thing:

   It was a frivolity he had a hard time living down.

Word History and Origins

Origin of frivolity¹

From the French word frivolité, dating back to 1790–1800. See frivolous, -ity

Example Sentences

Waking up to the sounds of Princess Peach giggling or Zelda softly cooing “wake up,” is, yes, odd, but I appreciate the burst of frivolity before I start worrying about my to-do list.

From Los Angeles Times

The coincidences and twists fit together, but there’s no deeper reason why this story had to be set in the beauty industry except that it’s a business built on facade, fantasy and seeming frivolity.

From Los Angeles Times

Belonging and frivolity are traits to crave, but increasingly they feel like luxuries.

From Los Angeles Times

This year, the Biden and Trump campaigns struck out on their own and arranged for two debates, the first — June 27 — offering citizens an unusual addition to the usual summer fun and frivolity.

From Los Angeles Times

The visit to the White House by the Kansas City Chiefs to celebrate their second straight Super Bowl win gave the president a few moments of frivolity in a week replete with sobering events.

From New York Times

Related Words

• levity