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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


flippant

adjective

Definition: 1. showing a lack of seriousness to the point that it is inappropriate and unseemly; 2. showing too much levity during a grave situation

Synonyms: impudent, rude, sarcastic, inappropriate, glib, offhand, disrespectful, unconcerned

Antonyms: serious, polite, concerned, respectful

Tips: To be flippant is to have a rude or silly attitude or behavior when seriousness is expected. For example, if you were having a meeting to discuss ways to save your failing company and someone kept making sarcastic recommendations to be silly or humorous, that would be flippant. Flippant can also be used to describe an offhand remark that is simply rude or disrespectful. You may hear flip used in place of flippant, which is equally correct but is a more informal term. (i.e: "Don't be so flip, we need you take this seriously.")

Usage Examples:

His flippant remarks during serious client meetings are a liability, so I would rather not have him there. (sarcastic, inappropriate)

Your jokes are usually funny, but today you're just being flippant and disrespectful. (rude, glip, inappropriate)

I hope he didn't think I was being flippant; I was just trying to lighten the mood. (impudent, glib, inappropriate)

I don't appreciate your flippant attitude; I'm trying to have a serious conversation with you. (glib, sarcastic, impudent, unconcerned)


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