Foolish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คช
foolish
[หfuหlษชส ]
Definitions
behavior
lacking good sense or judgment; unwise
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| foolish |
Appropriate when someone acts without thinking, making decisions that lack good judgment. The term can convey both minor errors and more serious lapses.
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| silly |
Used for light-hearted or trivial mistakes and actions that are harmless and often funny. It is less harsh and can even be affectionate.
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| stupid |
Stronger term with a more negative connotation. It's used for serious lack of intelligence or common sense and can be offensive.
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| unwise |
A polite and formal way to describe actions or decisions that lack wisdom or good judgment. It focuses on the poor choice rather than the person.
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Examples of usage
- It would be foolish to go out without an umbrella in this rain.
- She felt foolish for trusting him again.
appearance
having a silly or ridiculous look
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| foolish |
Used when describing someone or something lacking good sense or judgment.
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| ridiculous |
Used when describing something extremely silly or unreasonable, often with a negative connotation.
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| absurd |
Suitable when describing something that is wildly unreasonable or illogical to the point of being laughable.
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| comical |
Best used when describing something that is amusing or funny in an unusual or unexpected way.
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Examples of usage
- He wore a foolish hat to the party.
- The clown's foolish makeup made everyone laugh.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research suggests that people often act foolishly when they are pressured or anxious, as their judgment can become clouded.
- Cognitive biases can lead individuals to make foolish decisions, such as confirmation bias, where one only seeks information that supports their existing beliefs.
- Humor can thrive on foolishness; psychologists indicate that laughing at someone's foolish actions can relieve tension and promote social bonding.
Literature
- Shakespeare often used foolish characters, like the comical fools in 'King Lear', to convey wisdom through their foolish acts.
- In fables, foolishness serves as a moral lesson. For example, Aesopโs 'The Fox and the Grapes' illustrates how rationalizing foolishness can lead to regret.
- Many literary characters, from the bumbling Don Quixote to the mischievous Puck in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', embody the blend of foolishness and insight.
Pop Culture
- In modern films, foolish characters often provide comic relief, seen in roles like the goofy sidekick or the misadventurous hero.
- Songs with 'foolish' in the title, such as 'Foolish Games' by Jewel, explore the theme of love and regret, showcasing how foolish actions can impact relationships.
- Reality TV often highlights foolish behaviors, making them entertainment fodder while reflecting on social norms and expectations around intelligence.
Origin of 'foolish'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'foolish' comes from Middle English 'folish', which meant 'like a fool'.
- Its Old English root 'fลla' referred to a foolish person or a simpleton, showing that the concept has existed for centuries.
- The transformation to its modern form reflects changes in language as society's perception of foolishness evolved over time.
The word 'foolish' originated from the Old English word 'fลl', meaning 'stupid' or 'silly'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, maintaining its essence of lacking good sense or judgment.
See also: folly, fool, foolery, foolhardy, foolishly, foolishness, tomfoolery.