noun

frivolity

frih-VAH-luh-tee/frɪˈvɑːləti/

Lighthearted silliness without serious purpose.

A little frivolity makes our weekly meetings more enjoyable.

During an otherwise sober office meeting, a young man makes a silly face with two pencils held beneath his nose like an exaggerated mustache, while an older colleague pauses his work and gives him an unimpressed look.

Etymology

The base describes something silly or trifling, and the ending makes that a quality. Frivolity names the lack of seriousness expressed through playful or silly behavior.

In context

Cinema Therapy19:51

You can actually enjoy the holiday and enjoy warmth, and closeness, and food and frivolity, but you're choosing not to.

Villain Therapy: SCROOGE from The Muppet Christmas Carol

More examples

The silly hats add a touch of frivolity to dinner.
There is no time for frivolity during an emergency.
We put aside our worries for an evening of frivolity.

Forms

frivolity · frivolities

frivolous adjective — Silly and lacking any serious purpose.

Similar words

levity: Emphasizes a light tone, sometimes when seriousness is expected.
merriment: Emphasizes cheerful laughter and fun rather than purposeless silliness.