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facetiously

facetiously

3 8.1
In a joking way that is not meant to be taken seriously
  • adverb
  • /fəˈsiːʃəsli/
translation icon : en broma
  • "When she asked if we could adopt a lion, I replied facetiously, 'Sure, why not?'"

And I kind of facetiously said, well, mom, what in the world is the worst kind of a drinker?

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Examples

  • "You're such a party animal," she said facetiously.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • "Staying at home eating a lone pork chop" was the way she sometimes facetiously described her experience in those days.

    Academic text (1990)
  • "Do you mean that facetiously?"

    Academic text (2007)
  • "Oh, could you?" she said facetiously.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • "I mean nothing but total respect," he said even more facetiously.

    Blog text (24)
  • I'm what's facetiously known as the host.

  • "Was there another budget cut in Congress?" Tessa asked facetiously.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • "Why don't you give her the house and all the rest while you're at it?" he asked facetiously.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • "Thanks," Mattie says facetiously, then cranes her neck to look at the musicians.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • "Goblins across Faerun will be glad to hear that," he said facetiously, trying to bring some levity to the young woman's dark mood.

    Fiction book (1992)

Synonyms

jokingly
vsfacetiously
27 2.0

Said or done as a joke and not meant seriously

is similar but often adds sarcastic or mocking intent
sarcastically
vsfacetiously
20 4.4

In a way that says the opposite to show you do not mean it

is broader and can be joking without clear contempt
dryly
vsfacetiously
18 6.1

In a calm, serious way that seems slightly funny

is similar yet sometimes uses clearer sarcasm or jest
tongue-in-cheek
vsfacetiously
  • Informal
15 7.4

Said jokingly and not meant to be taken seriously

overlaps but often includes crisper mocking or sarcasm
wryly
vsfacetiously
12 7.0

In a dry, slightly mocking way

can also be joking but may be more openly playful
comically
vsfacetiously
11 3.9

In a funny way that makes people laugh

overlaps in amusement but can be more sarcastic
in jest
vsfacetiously
  • Informal
9 6.6

In a joking way not meant to be taken seriously

can match this but often carries ironic or mocking tone
in fun
vsfacetiously
  • Informal
5 5.3

People say it as a joke and do not mean it seriously

may be playful too but often sounds more biting or ironic
humorously
vsfacetiously
5 3.3

In a funny way that makes people laugh

can use humor too but often with ironic intent
teasingly
vsfacetiously
3 3.7

In a playful way that makes someone laugh or feel a little annoyed

may provoke too but often aims for ironic ridicule
drily
vsfacetiously
1 7.2

In a quiet, serious way that shows you are joking or being sarcastic

may match this irony but can be more plainly joking
kiddingly
vsfacetiously
1 3.6

To say or do something in a joking way without being serious

may also tease but often feels more ironic or cutting
jocularly
vsfacetiously
1 7.1

In a joking way to make people laugh

can be similar yet sometimes adds sarcastic edge
jestingly
vsfacetiously
6.4

In a joking way that is not serious

shares playfulness but may include sharper sarcasm
jocosely
vsfacetiously
  • Formal
8.3

In a joking way to make people laugh

overlaps in humor but often leans toward irony or mockery
waggishly
vsfacetiously
  • Literature
7.7

In a playful joking way to make people laugh

is like this but can be more sarcastic or mocking
unseriously
vsfacetiously
6.2

Speaks or acts in a joking way

is similar but usually adds a jokingly mocking quality

Antonyms

1.6

In a way that shows you mean what you say

How Playful

facetiously
3 8.1
sarcastically
20 4.4
seriously
1.6

Surface Forms

facetiously positive
facetiouslyer comparative
facetiouslyest superlative

Morphology

facetiously = facetious (transparent) = facetious + ly

Standard adverb formation by adding '-ly' to the adjective 'facetious', so the meaning 'in a joking manner' is predictable from the base.

Etymology

Facetiously comes from the Latin word facetia, meaning 'a joke' or 'wit', and from the adjective facetious, which means 'playful' or 'funny'. So, to speak facetiously is to say something in a joking, not serious way.