flippant
Flippant (adj) means showing a casual disrespect or lack of seriousness about something that deserves more care. Example: “His flippant remark about the accident upset everyone in the room.”
How to use flippant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTreating a serious matter too lightly or carelessly, often in a way that seems disrespectful.
Don't confuse with "flip" (the verb) — flippant is only an adjective describing attitude, not a physical motion.
Word forms
more flippant comparative, most flippant superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ remark about the accident upset everyone in the room.
Etymology
From a Northern English dialect word meaning "prattling, glib," related to the older sense of "flip" meaning to babble.
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “flippant” mean?
The word “flippant” means showing a casual disrespect or lack of seriousness about something that deserves more care. In plain terms, treating a serious matter too lightly or carelessly, often in a way that seems disrespectful.
How do you pronounce “flippant”?
“Flippant” is pronounced FLIHP-uhnt (/ˈflɪp.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “flippant” in a sentence?
Here is “flippant” used in a sentence: “His flippant remark about the accident upset everyone in the room.”
What is the opposite of “flippant”?
The opposite of “flippant” — its antonyms — is serious.
What part of speech is “flippant”?
“Flippant” is an adjective.