Facetious
hardNegative tonefuh-SEE-shus
adjective
Definition
treating serious matters with inappropriate or flippant humor
Memory hook
FACETIOUS = 'FACE + TEASE': someone making a TEASING FACE, cracking jokes when they should be serious.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His facetious reply made the grieving family feel he wasn't taking them seriously.”
“She wasn't being facetious; she truly meant the strange suggestion.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ reply made the grieving family feel he wasn't taking them seriously.”
Show answer
facetious
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Facetious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "flippant" or "frivolous" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "serious".
Related GRE Words
frivolous
Lacking seriousness or importance; trivial or unworthy of consideration
insinuate
to hint or suggest indirectly, usually something unpleasant
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
acrimonious
Bitter and sharp in language or tone; caustic
aphoristic
Containing or characterized by aphorisms; concise and memorable
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
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