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Webster 1913 Edition


Frivolous

Friv′o-lous

,
Adj.
[L.
frivolus
; prob. akin to
friare
to rub, crumble, E.
friable
: cf. F.
frivole
.]
1.
Of little weight or importance; not worth notice; slight;
as, a
frivolous
argument
.
Swift.
2.
Given to trifling; marked with unbecoming levity; silly; interested especially in trifling matters.
Friv′o-lous-ly
,
adv.
Friv′o-lous-ness
,
Noun.

Webster 1828 Edition


Frivolous

FRIV'OLOUS

,
Adj.
[L. frivlus, from the root of frio, to break into small pieces, to crumble; tero, trivi, to rub or wear out.]
Slight; trifling; trivial; of little weight, worth or importance; not worth notice; as a frivolous argument; a frivolous objection or pretext.

Definition 2024


frivolous

frivolous

English

Adjective

frivolous (comparative more frivolous, superlative most frivolous)

  1. Silly, especially at an inappropriate time or in an inappropriate manner.
    • 1996 August 31, Paul F. Waldner, President-Elect, Houston Trial Lawyers Association, “Viewpoints”, in Houston Chroniclecitation:
      There is no easy definition for the phrase 'frivolous lawsuit,' but I imagine any claim for damages where the injuries are minimal or where the basis for the defendant's liability is hard to believe, might qualify as frivolous.
    • Factcheck.org:
      One of the major cost drivers in the delivery of health care are these junk and frivolous lawsuits.
  2. Of little weight or importance; not worth notice; slight.
  3. (law) In litigation, a lawsuit filed by a party who is aware the claim is without merit and has no reasonable prospect of success because of a lack of supporting legal or factual basis.

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

External links

  • frivolous in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • frivolous in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911