What does frivolously mean?
Frivolously is an adverb meaning to act, speak, or spend in a way that lacks seriousness, gravity, or proper regard for consequences. Derived from the adjective 'frivolous', it describes the manner of an action rather than the thing itself: to spend money frivolously is to fritter it away on trifles, while to answer a serious question frivolously is to treat it with unbecoming lightness. The word almost always carries critical connotation — it suggests that more sobriety or prudence was owed — and it appears often in legal, financial, and ethical discussion, as in lawsuits dismissed as frivolously filed or funds described as frivolously squandered. Its Latin root, 'frivolus' ('worthless, empty'), shows that the concept of triviality has long been framed as a moral failing. Understanding 'frivolously' helps distinguish not just what people do wrong, but how they do it: lightly where weight was required.
adverbIn a carefree, unserious, or insufficiently grave manner; without appropriate seriousness or regard for consequences.
- In a manner lacking seriousness, gravity, or due consideration of consequences.
- (Of spending or resources) wastefully, on things of little value or necessity.
"She was accused of spending the trust fund frivolously on designer clothes and impulsive holidays."
"He dismissed her carefully researched proposal as a frivolously conceived distraction."
"Critics argued that the council had spent public funds frivolously on vanity projects."
The word comes from Latin 'frivolus' meaning 'worthless' or 'silly' — the ancient Romans were already complaining about people who didn't take things seriously enough.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of frivolously
Frivolously derives from the Latin 'frivolus', meaning worthless, silly, or trivial, which passed into English via the adjective 'frivolous' in the 15th century. The adverb form developed later through ordinary derivation, following the pattern of adjective-plus-'ly'. Cognate forms include 'frivolity' (from Latin 'frivilitas') and the now-rare noun 'frivol'. The word has retained its core association with emptiness and lack of substance since antiquity.
Related word forms
How frivolously is actually used
A mildly negative term in most contexts: it implies criticism of someone's lack of seriousness or judgment, particularly regarding money, legal matters, or important decisions. It carries no strong regional variation and is used in both formal and informal discourse, appearing frequently in legal contexts (e.g., claims dismissed as frivolously brought) and financial commentary.
Easily confused with frivolously
'Frivolous' is the adjective describing something lacking seriousness, while 'frivolously' is the adverb describing an action done in that manner.