- Today's Word
Frivolous
[FRIV-uh-lus]
Definition
- (adjective) Something lacking in seriousness, importance, or value. It describes things, actions, or attitudes that are silly, trivial, or not worth serious attention, often with a suggestion of being inappropriately lighthearted.
Example
The CEO was criticized for making frivolous purchases like golden office furniture while the company was laying off employees.
Fun Fact
The word “frivolous” comes from the Latin “frivolus,” meaning “silly, empty, or trifling,” which likely derived from “friare,” meaning “to break into small pieces.” In medieval times, it gained a specific legal meaning that continues today – a “frivolous lawsuit” was one brought to court without serious merit. Interestingly, during the French Revolution, being labeled as “frivole” (the French equivalent) could be dangerous, as it suggested someone was disconnected from serious revolutionary ideals and too focused on aristocratic pleasures. The word gained additional significance during the Victorian era, when “frivolous” became associated with women’s activities and interests, reflecting the period’s gender biases. This led to the term “frivolity,” which specifically referred to lightweight entertainment or decoration. Today, while the word maintains its core meaning of “lacking seriousness,” it’s often used in both legal contexts and social criticism, particularly in discussions about consumerism and social media culture.
(verb) To suggest or assume something as a basis for reasoning or argument without prior proof.
The scientist postulated that the mysterious signals were coming from a previously undiscovered layer of the atmosphere, a theory that took years to confirm.
Postulate derives from the Latin postulare, meaning “to demand” or “to claim,” rooted in poscere, meaning “to ask urgently.” In medieval logic and mathematics, a postulate was a foundational assumption that didn’t require proof — something demanded to be accepted as a starting point. Euclid’s famous geometric postulates, written around 300 BCE, are among the most influential examples in intellectual history.