Advanced and Proficiency Vocabulary for Exams(e.g.GRE, Banks, Civil Services, SAT / LSAT). For IELTS/TOEFL, and everyday spoken vocabulary, go to our Spoken Vocabulary Database.
facetious | facetiousness | facetiously
intending to be humorous rather than serious
- How to Memorize
- facetious - playful
- Analysis
The word ‘facetious’ can be used in a positive or neutral way when you want to make it clear that something you said was intended to be playful or tongue-in-cheek rather than taken literally. However, it is most commonly used in a negative context to express disapproval at somebody joking inappropriately or not taking something as serious as they should be.
Exam DB Spoken DB Other Synonyms drolljocosefrivolous Antonyms sombrelugubriouslachrymose - Example(s)
Don’t worry, I don’t really expect you to give me a prize for coming up with that idea. I was just being facetious!
I called this meeting to discuss a very serious matter, so I could do without your facetious remarks.
Jack’s facetiousness is down to immaturity and a lack of experience. He needs to learn how and when to use his humour more appropriately.
Mary didn’t make that comment to me facetiously. She said it sincerely in a deliberate attempt to cause offence.
