frivolously
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: adjective/1
All four words describe something that lacks seriousness, but they differ in tone and scope. 'Frivolous' (target sense: UNIMPORTANT) carries a judgement of wastefulness — the thing is not just unimportant but also shouldn't be given attention or resources ('frivolous spending', 'frivolous details'). 'Trivial' is more neutral and objective; it simply means the matter is of very little significance without implying anyone is at fault for focusing on it. 'Petty' adds an element of small-mindedness, especially about complaints or arguments ('petty squabbles', 'petty rules'). 'Silly' is the most everyday word; it suggests something is foolish or lacks sense rather than wasteful. Use 'frivolous' to criticise wasted attention or resources, 'trivial' for objective insignificance, 'petty' for small-minded behaviour, and 'silly' for mild, informal dismissal of something foolish.
Common collocations
Etymology
The word 'frivolously' comes from Latin 'frīvolus' meaning 'worthless, trifling', which passed into Old French as 'frivole' and then into Middle English as 'frivolous'. During the 15th–17th centuries, English speakers added the suffix '-ly' to form the adverb 'frivolously'. The original Latin sense of emptiness or lack of substance carried into English, evolving in the 18th century to describe both trivial things and inappropriate lightheartedness. The specialised legal sense (a groundless lawsuit) emerged in 19th-century American court usage.
First known use
15th century
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a