facetiously

Everyday

1. In a joking way, especially about a serious matter, when it is not the right time for jokes. tree →
2. Not meant seriously. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories to show a character is joking or being silly when others are serious: «"Maybe the dog did my homework," he said facetiously.» A teacher may say «Don't answer facetiously». It tells the reader the words are not meant to be taken as true.

Examples

• "I'll just fly to school," she said facetiously. tree →
• He answered facetiously, so the teacher asked again. tree →
• "Maybe aliens took it," Tom said facetiously. tree →
• She was speaking facetiously, not giving real advice. tree →
• Don't reply facetiously when someone is upset. tree →
• He facetiously suggested we eat the homework. tree →

Note

Adjective: facetious (fa-SEE-shus). Spelling trap: contains all five vowels a, e, i, o, u in order (plus y at the end). Facetious remarks can seem rude in serious moments.