Facetiously: meaning, definitions and examples

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facetiously

[fəˈsiːʃəsli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in conversation

treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant

Synonyms

flippantly, jokingly, sardonically.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
facetiously	Often used when making a joke or humorous remark that is not meant to be taken seriously. It's light-hearted but may involve a play on words or mild sarcasm. She said she wanted to move to Mars, but she was speaking facetiously. He facetiously remarked that the best solution to traffic was to ban all cars.
flippantly	This is used when making offhand or disrespectful comments that show a lack of seriousness, and can often come across as rude or dismissive. When asked about his late arrival, he flippantly replied, 'Time is just a social construct, anyway.' Her flippant attitude during the meeting annoyed her colleagues.
sardonically	Used when expressing sarcasm with a biting or contemptuous tone. It's often used to mock or convey disdain and can come across as bitter. He sardonically congratulated his rival on their 'impressive' failure. She smiled sardonically and said, 'Oh sure, because that plan worked so well last time.'
jokingly	Used when making a joke or light-hearted comment intended to be funny or playful, with no hidden malice or sarcasm. He jokingly claimed to be the best chef in the world as he burnt the toast. She jokingly called her dog the king of the house.

Examples of usage

She responded facetiously to the criticism, making light of the situation.
He often speaks facetiously to lighten the mood during tense moments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the French 'facétieux', meaning 'joking' or 'playful'.
Its roots trace back to the Latin 'facetus', which means 'elegant' or 'witty'.
Originally used in English literature around the 17th century, it has evolved to capture the essence of humor.

Literature

It appears in works by authors like Jane Austen and Mark Twain, showcasing their wit.
In many classic novels, characters often use humor to lighten serious themes, demonstrating its literary significance.
Writers frequently use this tone to create irony or satire, making serious topics more relatable.

Psychology

Humor can act as a coping mechanism, helping people deal with stress or difficult situations.
Facetious remarks can sometimes be misinterpreted, leading to misunderstandings in communication.
Engaging in playful banter can strengthen social bonds and build rapport among people.

Pop Culture

Many comedians utilize facetiousness to tackle taboo topics in a lighthearted way.
Television shows like 'The Office' use this style to create awkward yet humorous situations.
Popular memes often employ facetious humor to comment on current events or societal norms.

Communication

Understanding the context is crucial when using humor; what’s funny in one group may not be in another.
Facetiously used phrases can indicate sarcasm, making it important to recognize tone and body language.
It's a common strategy in negotiations to ease tension and encourage open dialogue.

Translations

Translations of the word "facetiously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 facetiousmente

🇮🇳 मज़ाक में

🇩🇪 scherzhaft

🇮🇩 dengan bergurau

🇺🇦 жартома

🇵🇱 żartobliwie

🇯🇵 冗談ぽく (じょうだんぽく)

🇫🇷 facetieusement

🇪🇸 en broma

🇹🇷 şakacı bir şekilde

🇰🇷 익살스럽게 (iksalseureopge)

🇸🇦 بمزاح

🇨🇿 žertovně

🇸🇰 žartovne

🇨🇳 开玩笑地 (kāi wánxiào de)

🇸🇮 šaljivo

🇮🇸 spaugilega

🇰🇿 әзілмен

🇬🇪 ხუმრობით

🇦🇿 zarafatla

🇲🇽 en broma

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,287 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30284 workaday
30285 spiracle
30286 smoothest
30287 facetiously
30288 zeroed
30289 aureole
30290 mutely
...