Fool: meaning, definitions and examples

🤪

Add to dictionary

fool

[fuːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

silly person

A person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person.

Synonyms

idiot, nincompoop, simpleton.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fool	Used to describe someone who lacks good judgment or behaves in a silly way. Can be playful but also hurtful. He is a fool to believe everything he hears Don't be a fool, think things through
idiot	A strong and often offensive term to describe someone perceived as very stupid or foolish. Only an idiot would leave the keys in the car You are such an idiot for trusting him again
simpleton	Used to describe someone who is not very bright or is gullible, often implying a lack of sophistication. He's a simpleton who doesn't understand sarcasm Only a simpleton would fall for such an obvious scam
nincompoop	A mild and somewhat old-fashioned term for a silly or stupid person, often used in a lighthearted or humorous way. Stop acting like a nincompoop and get serious That nincompoop forgot to set the alarm

Examples of usage

He felt like a fool for not listening to her advice.
Don't be a fool and take unnecessary risks.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

jester

A jester or clown, especially one retained in a royal or noble household.

Synonyms

clown, harlequin, jester.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fool	Used to describe someone who acts unwisely or lacks good judgment. It has a negative connotation. He felt like a fool for trusting her. Don’t be a fool; think before you act.
jester	Historically, a jester was a professional entertainer in a royal court, known for telling jokes and performing tricks. Now, it often describes someone who jokes around or behaves humorously in a less formal setting. The king’s jester amused everyone with his wit. He’s the jester of the group, always making us laugh.
clown	Can describe someone who behaves in a silly or foolish way, often trying to entertain others. It can be both light-hearted and insulting depending on the context. He’s always the clown at parties, making everyone laugh. Stop clowning around and get to work.
harlequin	Typically refers to a comic character from traditional Italian theater, known for wearing a multi-colored outfit and engaging in physical comedy. The term can be used figuratively to describe a colorful or amusing person. The harlequin’s antics kept the crowd entertained. He's the harlequin of our office, always creating fun scenarios.

Examples of usage

The fool entertained the king with his jokes and antics.
In medieval times, the fool would provide comic relief in the court.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

deceive

Trick or deceive (someone); dupe.

Synonyms

deceive, dupe, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fool	This word is commonly used when someone is made to believe something false or is tricked in a way that makes them seem silly. It often has a playful or light-hearted connotation, but can also be negative depending on context. He was fooled by the magician's tricks Don't let them fool you with their lies
deceive	This is a more formal word that carries a strong negative connotation. It implies an intent to lie or mislead someone, often causing harm or betrayal. She tried to deceive everyone into thinking she was innocent He was deceived by his own brother
trick	This word is versatile and can be used in many contexts. It can refer to playful pranks, magic tricks, or deception. Unlike 'deceive,' it doesn’t always carry a negative connotation. They played a trick on their friend The magician performed an amazing trick
dupe	This word is used in situations where someone is tricked or misled, often suggesting that the person who was duped was naive or gullible. It can be used both informally and formally. He was duped into buying a fake watch The scammer duped people out of thousands of dollars

Examples of usage

He fooled his friends into thinking he had won the lottery.
Don't let them fool you with their fake promises.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'follis', meaning 'bag' or 'windbag', suggesting someone who is full of hot air.
In medieval times, fools were entertainers who performed tricks and jokes, often wearing colorful costumes to engage their audience.

Literature

In Shakespeare's works, fools often held a special place, providing wisdom disguised as foolishness, like the character Feste in 'Twelfth Night'.
Fools in literature can be wise figures who reveal truths that others overlook, reinforcing the idea that not all foolishness is as it seems.

Psychology

Psychological studies suggest that people often underestimate the intelligence of those labeled as fools, indicating a bias that affects social perceptions.
The concept of ‘foolishness’ can relate to cognitive biases where people act against their better judgment or common sense.

Pop Culture

Foolish characters are popular in movies and comics, often serving as comic relief, like the character of Goofy in Disney cartoons.
Reality TV often showcases 'foolish' people, using their antics to engage viewers and drive ratings.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, there’s an appreciation for the 'fool' archetype, representing the potential for wisdom through humbleness and humor.
Fools or jesters have been seen in many cultures as important social critics, providing commentary on serious matters through humor and satire.

Translations

Translations of the word "fool" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tolo

🇮🇳 मूर्ख

🇩🇪 Narr

🇮🇩 bodoh

🇺🇦 дурень

🇵🇱 głupiec

🇯🇵 愚か者 (orokamono)

🇫🇷 imbécile

🇪🇸 tonto

🇹🇷 aptal

🇰🇷 바보 (babo)

🇸🇦 أحمق (ahmaq)

🇨🇿 hlupák

🇸🇰 hlupák

🇨🇳 傻瓜 (shǎguā)

🇸🇮 norček

🇮🇸 kjáni

🇰🇿 ақымақ (aqymaq)

🇬🇪 სულელი (suleli)

🇦🇿 axmaq

🇲🇽 tonto

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,201 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5198 slender
5199 sympathetic
5200 citizenship
5201 fool
5202 meanings
5203 manners
5204 stems
...