Fool: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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