What Does Facetious Mean? | Definition & Examples
Facetious is an adjective meaning “inappropriately humorous.” It can also be used in a less negative way to mean “amusing” or, more negatively, to describe someone as “treating serious issues lightly.”
Throughout the meeting, Noah kept making facetious comments.
I wasn’t being facetious when I said I liked your sense of style.
Facetious vs. sarcastic
While “facetious” and “sarcastic” are often used interchangeably, the words have different meanings. Facetiousness is intended to be humorous, even when it is deemed inappropriate.
Conversely, sarcasm is used to mock or deride someone or something, often without any intention to be humorous.
Emma thinks she’s witty, but she’s just sarcastic.
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Frequently asked questions about facetious
- What is a synonym of “facetious”?
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Some synonyms for facetious include:
- Amusing
- Bantering
- Comical
- Droll
- Flippant
- Frivolous
- Funny
- Jesting
- Jocular
- Witty
- What is an antonym of “facetious”?
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Some antonyms (opposites) for facetious include:
- Earnest
- Grave
- Humorless
- Serious
- Sober
- Solemn
- How do you pronounce “facetious”?
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Facetious has three syllables. It’s pronounced with an emphasis on the second syllable: [fuh-see-shuss].
Sources in this article
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This Scribbr articleRyan, E. (September 16, 2022). What Does Facetious Mean? | Definition & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved October 17, 2022, from https://www.scribbr.com/definitions/facetious/
