frivolity
C1Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
The quality or state of being frivolous; lack of seriousness; lightheartedness about things that should be taken seriously.
A frivolous act, object, or remark; something trivial or silly.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a negative connotation of inappropriate lightness when seriousness is expected, but can be positive when describing harmless fun or entertainment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in British English in formal criticism of behaviour.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties; perhaps slightly more common in British English in written texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + frivolity: indulge in, enjoy, condemn, disapprove of, criticise/criticizeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a moment's frivolity”
- “frivolity for frivolity's sake”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used negatively to criticise unnecessary expenditure or time-wasting activities.
Academic
Used to critique arguments or research deemed insufficiently serious.
Everyday
Describing silly behaviour or light-hearted fun, depending on tone.
Technical
Rare in technical contexts except in psychology/sociology discussing behaviour.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They would frivol away the afternoon with silly games.
- He tends to frivol when he should be working.
American English
- She frivoled away her inheritance on luxuries.
- Don't frivol when there's serious business to attend to.
adverb
British English
- He waved his hand frivolously, dismissing the concern.
- She spent the money frivolously on designer clothes.
American English
- They behaved frivolously at the formal ceremony.
- The grant money was used frivolously on unnecessary gadgets.
adjective
British English
- Her frivolous remarks were not appreciated during the budget meeting.
- It was a frivolous purchase, but it made her happy.
American English
- The lawsuit was dismissed as frivolous.
- He has a frivolous attitude toward his responsibilities.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The party was full of laughter and frivolity.
- Sometimes we need a little frivolity in our lives.
- His constant frivolity annoyed his more serious colleagues.
- The magazine is known for its gossip and frivolity.
- The judge criticised the frivolity of the lawsuit, calling it a waste of court time.
- Beneath her apparent frivolity lay a keen and analytical mind.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FRIVolity' sounds like 'frivolous activity' – both start with 'friv' and mean silliness.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRIVOLITY IS LIGHTNESS (vs. seriousness is weight)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'легкомыслие' when context is positive fun; use 'беззаботность' or 'веселье' for neutral/positive contexts.
- Do not confuse with 'глупость' (stupidity) – frivolity is more about lack of seriousness than lack of intelligence.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'frivality' or 'frivolaty'.
- Using as a countable noun when meaning 'quality' (uncountable).
- Confusing with 'frivolous' (adjective).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'frivolity' most likely be criticised?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be neutral or positive when describing harmless fun or entertainment, but often carries a negative tone when seriousness is expected.
'Frivolity' implies a lack of seriousness, often about matters that should be taken seriously, while 'fun' is a general positive term for enjoyment without that negative connotation.
Yes, when it means 'a frivolous act or thing' (e.g., 'the frivolities of youth'), but as a quality it is uncountable (e.g., 'too much frivolity').
'Sheer frivolity' is a very common collocation, emphasising the complete lack of seriousness.
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