Folly: meaning, definitions and examples

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folly

[ ˈfɑli ]

^{Context #1}

act of foolishness

Folly is the lack of good sense or judgement, resulting in foolish or irrational actions. It is the quality of being unwise or imprudent.

Synonyms

foolishness, imprudence, recklessness

Examples of usage

His decision to quit his job without another lined up was a great folly.
She realized the folly of her ways when it was too late.

^{Context #2}

a costly ornamental building with no practical purpose

Folly can also refer to a costly ornamental building with no practical purpose, often found in gardens or parks as a decorative feature.

Synonyms

decorative structure, garden feature, ornamental building

Examples of usage

The old estate had a beautiful folly overlooking the lake.
The garden's centerpiece was a large folly built in the 18th century.

Translations

Translations of the word "folly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 loucura

🇮🇳 मूर्खता

🇩🇪 Torheit

🇮🇩 kebodohan

🇺🇦 дурість

🇵🇱 głupota

🇯🇵 愚かさ

🇫🇷 folie

🇪🇸 locura

🇹🇷 aptallık

🇰🇷 어리석음

🇸🇦 حماقة

🇨🇿 pošetilost

🇸🇰 bláznovstvo

🇨🇳 愚蠢

🇸🇮 norost

🇮🇸 heimska

🇰🇿 ақымақтық

🇬🇪 სისულელე

🇦🇿 dəlilik

🇲🇽 locura

Word origin

The word 'folly' originated from Middle English 'folie', from Old French 'folie', from Latin 'folia' meaning 'foolishness'. It has been used in English since the late 13th century with various meanings related to foolishness and impracticality.