Basic Details
Word: Facetious
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humour; often meant to be joking.
Synonyms: Flippant, glib, joking
Antonyms: Serious, earnest, solemn
Idioms and Phrases
- Take it with a grain of salt: To not take something too seriously. Example: "When he told me he was going to run a marathon, I took it with a grain of salt, knowing he’d never trained for it."
- Pulling your leg: To tease or joke with someone. Example: "She said she won the lottery, but I knew she was just pulling my leg."
Usage Examples
Example 1: His facetious comments during the meeting made it hard for anyone to take the situation seriously.
Example 2: Although she was being facetious, her joke about the weather made everyone laugh.
Example 3: He had a facetious sense of humour, often using it to lighten up serious discussions.
Fun Fact
The word "facetious" originated from the Latin word "facetiae," which means "jests" or "jokes." It was first recorded in English usage during the late 19th century.
Famous Quote
"A facetious remark, made in a light-hearted way, can often break the ice in tense situations." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "facetious" mean?
a) Very serious
b) Trying to be funny with serious topics
c) Sad and gloomy
d) Very formal
Answer: b) Trying to be funny with serious topics
2. Which of these is a synonym of "facetious"?
a) Joking
b) Firm
c) Gloomy
d) Strict
Answer: a) Joking
3. Which of these is an antonym of "facetious"?
a) Humorous
b) Flippant
c) Serious
d) Light-hearted
Answer: c) Serious
4. Which sentence uses "facetious" correctly?
a) His facetious attitude made the classroom quiet.
b) She was facetious about the homework, laughing as she gave it back.
c) The facetious weather made everyone feel cold.
d) The teacher was facetious when he asked them to do extra homework.
Answer: b) She was facetious about the homework, laughing as she gave it back.
5. What does "pulling your leg" mean?
a) Helping someone
b) Telling a serious story
c) Teasing or joking
d) Taking a long walk
Answer: c) Teasing or joking
