Flippantly: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when someone speaks or behaves in a disrespectful or dismissive way, often about serious matters.

• She flippantly dismissed the concerns about climate change.
• He flippantly ignored the warnings about the storm.

This applies when someone makes jokes or comments that are meant to be funny but might be inappropriate or not taken seriously.

• She facetiously remarked that she would rather be on another planet.
• He facetiously suggested they should quit their jobs and become professional surfers.

Use this when referring to a person speaking in a smooth, easy manner, but often in a way that shows a lack of concern or sincerity.

• He spoke glibly about the dangers of smoking, despite being a smoker himself.
• She glibly reassured everyone that the crisis would resolve quickly.

This is best used when someone makes a comment meant to be understood as a joke, without any serious intention or intention to offend.

• He jokingly said he was too lazy to lift a finger.
• She jokingly called herself a 'chocolate addict'.

Appropriate when talking about treating a situation in a less serious or more casual manner.

• He took the criticism lightly and continued his work.
• She lightly brushed off the compliment with a smile.