Definition
- (adjective) Silly, especially at an inappropriate time or in an inappropriate manner.
- (adjective) Of little weight or importance; not worth notice; slight.
- (adjective) (said of a lawsuit) Having no reasonable prospect of success because its claim is without merit, lacking a supporting legal or factual basis, while the filing party is, or should be, aware of this.
Background
Frivolous carries a light-hearted, somewhat dismissive tone, making it suitable for informal contexts. This adjective describes actions or attitudes that seem silly or lacking in seriousness, particularly when such behavior is deemed inappropriate. It often appears in discussions about behavior that fails to recognize the gravity of a situation, such as frivolous lawsuits or frivolous spending.
The term frequently surfaces in legal and social conversations. Phrases like "frivolous claims" in court or "frivolous pursuits" in everyday life capture its essence. In both professional and casual settings, it highlights a lack of seriousness that can lead to criticism, often evoking a sense of annoyance regarding the subject's triviality.
For puzzle enthusiasts, frivolous scores 15 points in Scrabble, making it a reasonable choice for competitive play. It fits within the Wordle eligibility criteria, being nine letters long and adding to the fun of word games. Players can also create various sub-words, including floors, flours, and fools, which can be useful for expanding their scoring opportunities in different word puzzles.
The word originates from the Latin root "frivolus," meaning silly or worthless, which evolved through Middle English usage in the 14th century. Its modern form has maintained this connotation of lightness and lack of seriousness. It does not have a plural form but can be utilized in various contexts. While confusion may arise with the word "trivial," which also implies insignificance, frivolous specifically emphasizes a lack of seriousness, often in an inappropriate setting.
Using Frivolous in a sentence
- Her frivolous remarks during the meeting were met with disapproval.
- He spent his inheritance on frivolous luxuries instead of investing wisely.
- The report criticized the company for its frivolous expenditures on marketing.
- As the lawyer pointed out, the case was nothing more than a frivolous attempt to seek attention.
Origin of Frivolous
The word 'frivolous' comes from the Latin 'frivolus,' meaning silly or worthless. It gained currency in Middle English during the 14th century, retaining a similar meaning throughout its history. Over time, it has come to be associated with behaviors that lack seriousness, particularly in contexts where seriousness is expected. The precise origin is debated.
Word stats
- Frivolous contains 9 letters: 4 vowel(s) and 5 consonant(s).
- It uses 8 unique letters.
- Estimated syllable count: 3.
- Scrabble-style letter score: 15.
Words you can build
Word neighbours
Other 9-letter words
- aardvarks
- abandoned
- abasement
- abatement
- abattoirs
- abdicated
- abdicates
- abdominal
- abductees
- abducting
- abduction
- abductors
- abhorrent
- abhorring
- abilities
- ablatives
- ablutions
- abnegated
Words starting with FRI
- friable
- friar
- friars
- fricassee
- fricasseed
- fricasseeing
- fricassees
- friction
- fridge
- fridges
- fried
- friend
- friended
- friending
- friendless
- friendlier
- friendlies
- friendliest
See all words starting with FRI →
Words ending with OUS
Frequently asked questions
What does Frivolous mean?
Silly, especially at an inappropriate time or in an inappropriate manner.
How many letters are in Frivolous?
Frivolous has 9 letters.
Where does the word frivolous come from?
Frivolous originates from the Latin term 'frivolus,' which means silly or worthless. It became widely used in Middle English during the 14th century, maintaining its connotation of light-heartedness.
How common is frivolous in word puzzles?
Frivolous appears occasionally in crosswords and daily puzzles, often viewed as moderately tricky due to its length and letter composition. Its unique letters can make it a valuable choice for solvers.
What other word is often confused with frivolous?
'Trivial' is a word frequently confused with frivolous, as both imply insignificance. However, frivolous highlights a lack of seriousness in a context where it is expected, while trivial more broadly refers to things of little importance.
Solve more words
Find words from your own letters with our free puzzle tools.