facetious
pronunciation
How to pronounce facetious in British English:
UK [fəˈsiːʃəs]
How to pronounce facetious in American English:
US [fəˈsiːʃəs]
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- Adjective:
- cleverly amusing in tone
Word Origin
- facetious (adj.)
- 1590s, from French facétieux (16c.), from facétie "a joke" (15c.), from Latin facetiae "jests, witticisms" (singular facetia), from facetus "witty, elegant, fine, courteous," which is of unknown origin, perhaps related to facis "torch." Formerly often in a good sense, "witty, amusing," but later implying a desire to be amusing that is often intrusive or ill-timed. Related: Facetiously; facetiousness. "Facetiæ in booksellers' catalogues, is, like curious, a euphemism for erotica." [Fowler]
Example
- 1. Stop being facetious . This is a serious matter .
- 2. You are such a kind , facetious , attractive woman !
- 3. I became angry with the little boy at his facetious remarks .
- 4. Facetious though this example may sound , it points to the important and often overlooked fact that whether a particular policy is desirable or not depends on its ultimate objectives .
- 5. A bantering tone ; facetious remarks ; tongue-in-cheek advice .