foolish

/'fu:liʃ/

Definition

Adjective 1. Lacking good sense or judgment; unwise: Describes actions, decisions, or ideas that are not sensible or are poorly thought out. 2. Silly or ridiculous; appearing stupid: Describes behavior or things that seem absurd, laughable, or lacking in seriousness.

Usage

The adjective "foolish" is used to describe people, their actions, decisions, ideas, or behavior. It often implies a criticism of a lack of wisdom or forethought. It can be used predictively (after a linking verb like be, seem, feel) or attributively (before a noun).

Examples

It was a foolish decision to drive in such a heavy storm.
I felt very foolish when I realized I had been wearing my shirt inside out all day.
She regretted her foolish remarks as soon as she said them.
Throwing away that opportunity was just foolish.

Advanced Usage

"to be foolish enough to do something": This structure emphasizes the lack of judgment involved in a specific action.
- He was foolish enough to believe their promises.
"to make someone look/feel foolish": To cause someone to appear or feel silly or embarrassed.
- The public correction made him look foolish in front of his colleagues.

Variants and Related Words

Foolishly (adverb): In a foolish manner.
- He spent his money foolishly.
Foolishness (noun): The quality of being foolish.
- The plan was an act of sheer foolishness.

Synonyms

Unwise: Not showing good judgment.
Silly: Lacking in seriousness or sense; frivolous.
Stupid: Lacking intelligence or common sense. (Note: "stupid" is generally stronger and more direct than "foolish".)
Imprudent: Not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash.
Absurd: Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate.

Antonyms

Wise
Sensible
Prudent
Smart

Idioms and Phrases

"Penny-wise and pound-foolish": Being careful about small amounts of money but wasteful with large sums.
- Not repairing the roof to save money now is being penny-wise and pound-foolish; it will cost much more later.
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds" (proverb, from Ralph Waldo Emerson): Insisting on always doing things the same way, even when it's not sensible, is a sign of a narrow mind.

Adjective

having or revealing stupidity
- ridiculous anserine behavior
- a dopey answer
- a dopey kid
- some fool idea about rewriting authors' books
devoid of good sense or judgment
- foolish remarks
- a foolish decision

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