Stupidity: meaning, definitions and examples

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stupidity

[stjuːˈpɪdɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

lack of intelligence

Stupidity is the quality or condition of being foolish or lacking good sense. It is characterized by a lack of intelligence or understanding, leading to poor decision-making and irrational behavior. Stupidity can manifest in various forms, such as ignorance, incompetence, or naivety.

Synonyms

foolishness, ignorance, irrationality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stupidity	Repeated to emphasize its strong negative connotation, highlighting a severe lack of intelligence or sense. Their constant stupidity made it difficult to cooperate. This level of stupidity is unacceptable for such a critical task.
foolishness	Refers to a lack of good judgment or sense. It is less harsh than 'stupidity' and can sometimes be used in a more lighthearted or joking manner. Her foolishness led to a series of avoidable errors. Don’t be upset; it was just foolishness.
ignorance	Describes a lack of knowledge or awareness about a particular subject. It can be neutral or, depending on the context, carry a negative connotation. His ignorance about the topic was evident during the discussion. Ignorance is not a valid excuse for breaking the law.
irrationality	Relates to actions or thoughts lacking reason or logic. Often associated with emotional responses rather than factual or logical thought. Her irrationality in the crisis caused more harm than good. It’s irrationality to fear things without any real evidence.

Examples of usage

He demonstrated his stupidity by not following the instructions.
Her actions were driven by sheer stupidity.
The consequences of their stupidity were severe.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

foolish behavior

Stupidity can also refer to behavior that is considered foolish, senseless, or lacking in judgment. It often involves making decisions or choices that defy logic or common sense. Stupidity in this context can be seen as a form of incompetence or lack of wisdom.

Synonyms

foolishness, recklessness, silliness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stupidity	Used to describe a lack of intelligence or common sense, and often carries a negative connotation. The stupidity of driving without a seatbelt is obvious His decision to ignore advice was pure stupidity
foolishness	Used to describe behavior that lacks good sense or judgement, often in a more light-hearted or less harsh way than 'stupidity'. Her foolishness led her to trust the scammer Jumping into the lake without checking the depth was sheer foolishness
recklessness	Refers to behavior that disregards the potential dangers or consequences, highlighting a lack of caution. His recklessness behind the wheel caused the accident Climbing the mountain without proper gear shows recklessness
silliness	Used to describe playful or childish behavior that is not serious, usually in a harmless way. It often has a more neutral or even positive connotation. The children's silliness made everyone laugh His silly jokes always cheer us up

Examples of usage

His repeated stupidity led to his downfall.
She regretted her moment of stupidity.
The team's collective stupidity cost them the game.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has roots in Latin from 'stupidus,' meaning 'struck senseless' or 'dazed.'
It evolved through Old French before appearing in English in the late 14th century.
Originally used to describe a lack of knowledge, over time it came to refer to actions and decisions as well.

Psychology

Cognitive biases often contribute to perceived stupidity; people may act illogically due to faulty reasoning.
Research shows that emotional states, like anger or sadness, can impair decision-making abilities, leading to poor choices.
Mindless decisions can sometimes stem from social pressures, where individuals conform to group behaviors instead of thinking independently.

Pop Culture

Movies and television often highlight foolish characters, teaching audiences about the consequences of poor decisions.
The phrase 'stupidity is contagious' suggests that poor choices can spread in social groups, showcased in various comedic settings.
Books like 'The Stupidity Paradox' explore the concept of collective foolishness, especially in organizations.

Literature

Writers from ancient philosophers like Socrates to modern authors have debated the nature of human folly.
The theme of stupidity as a part of the human condition is explored in works like 'The Idiot' by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Satirical literature often critiques societal stupidity, as seen in Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal.'

Science

Studies in neuroscience indicate that brain regions responsible for impulse control can influence actions deemed 'stupid.'
Evolutionary biology suggests that some decisions that seem stupid today may have had benefits for survival in the past.
Research indicates that low emotional intelligence can lead to behaviors labeled as stupidity due to misreading social cues.

Translations

Translations of the word "stupidity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estupidez

🇮🇳 मूर्खता

🇩🇪 Dummheit

🇮🇩 kebodohan

🇺🇦 дурість

🇵🇱 głupota

🇯🇵 愚かさ (orokasa)

🇫🇷 stupidité

🇪🇸 estupidez

🇹🇷 aptallık

🇰🇷 어리석음 (eoriseogeum)

🇸🇦 غباء (ghabā')

🇨🇿 hloupost

🇸🇰 hlúposť

🇨🇳 愚蠢 (yúchǔn)

🇸🇮 neumnost

🇮🇸 heimskuleiki

🇰🇿 ақылсыздық (aqylsyzdyq)

🇬🇪 სისულელე (sisulele)

🇦🇿 axmaqlıq

🇲🇽 estupidez

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,108, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14105 frighten
14106 scratching
14107 appreciative
14108 stupidity
14109 beaver
14110 accusing
14111 topological
...