frivolous
Say it: FRIV-uh-lus /ˈfrɪvələs/ · adjective
What “frivolous” means
Silly or wasteful rather than serious or useful.
More precisely: Not serious or useful; silly or wasteful.
Example: “She cut frivolous subscriptions and saved forty dollars a month.”
When to use it
Use it with a mildly disapproving tone for spending, activities or concerns that seem silly and serve little purpose.
Similar words
trivial, silly, superficial
Where it comes from
From Latin frivolus, "silly, trifling."
Quick check
You spend your remaining pocket money on a tiny velvet throne for your pencil sharpener. How would someone describe that purchase?
frivolous or essential?
Show the answer
frivolous
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