English vocabulary · C1
Facetious
/fəˈsiː.ʃəs/ · adj.
It means making jokes when you should be serious. The timing is always wrong.
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Example sentences
- His facetious reply shocked the room.
- Don't be facetious at a funeral.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- facetia — wit (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- FLIPPANT — not taking things seriously (Dismissive & casual)
- GLIB — quick but not sincere (Too smooth & easy)
- PLAYFUL — fun and not serious (Light and fun)
Similar words
- flippant
- glib
- playful
Lesson notes
Facetious. It means making jokes when you should be serious. The timing is always wrong.
Similar words are flippant, glib, and playful. Use facetious when jokes come at the wrong time.
His facetious reply shocked the room. Don't be facetious at a funeral.
From Latin. Facetia- means wit. A witty joke at the wrong time — that is facetious.