Words / C1

FRIV-uh-l-uh-s/ˈfrɪvələs/

Frivolous means not serious or sensible; of a claim, not worth serious attention: a frivolous complaint, a frivolous vibe. Silly is everyday; a mood of space is not a fire certificate.

Meaning

Not serious or sensible; of a claim, not worth serious attention.

Examples

• “A frivolous occupancy “vibe” is not a fire certificate.”
• “Silly is everyday. Trivial is the close twin. A vibe is a mood. A number on a certificate is the rule. Keep the number; hang the vibe in the foyer if the inspector still allows it.”

Good to know

Silly; not serious. Everyday: silly. A vibe ≠ a certificate.

Near in meaning

silly, trivial, flippant

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