facetious

Everyday

1. Joking at the wrong time, about something serious, so it seems silly or rude, as in «a facetious remark». tree →
2. Facetious can also mean simply funny, meant to make people laugh. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and school, a teacher might say «Don't be facetious» when a pupil makes a cheeky joke instead of answering seriously. In stories, a facetious character uses jokes to avoid dealing with a problem. It is a formal, grown-up word.

Examples

• When the teacher asked why he was late, he gave a facetious answer: «My bed wouldn't let me go.» tree →
• Don't be facetious — this is important. tree →
• Her facetious comment upset her friend, who was sad. tree →
• He was only being facetious when he said he'd eat his homework. tree →
• A facetious answer will not get you marks in an exam. tree →
• The jokes which form the themes of the Russian facetious tales are for the most part common to all Europe. tree →

Note

Said «fuh-SEE-shus». Fun fact: «facetious» has all five vowels, a, e, i, o, u, in order. Close words: «flippant», «cheeky».