frivolus

Frivolus is a Latin adjective meaning frivolous, trifling, or lacking seriousness. In classical and Late Latin literature, it describes matters, arguments, or conduct judged to have little substantive value or importance. In scholarly usage, the term is encountered mainly in discussions of Latin rhetoric, grammar, and lexicography rather than as a commonly used word in everyday Latin.

Etymology and forms: The adjective is formed with the common Latin suffix -olus, yielding masculine frivolus, feminine frivola, and neuter frivolum. The exact origin of the stem friv- is obscure, but the word functions as a standard descriptor of insubstantial or unserious things in Latin. The feminine form occurs when modifying feminine nouns such as res frivola (a frivolous matter).

Usage in texts: Frivolus is typically used to describe trifling topics, decorative but unnecessary stylistic devices, or arguments considered lacking weight. In rhetorical criticism, it may mark a distinction between essential, argument-anchoring points and frivola discourse.

Modern usage: In modern English-language philology, frivolus appears mainly in translations or explanations of Latin passages. It is usually rendered as "frivolous" and treated as a historical term rather than a productive Latin word in current usage.

See also: Latin grammar; Latin adjectives; frivolous (English).

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