softheaded
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Foolish; lacking good sense or judgment: Describes a person, idea, or plan that is not sensible, reasonable, or practical. It implies a lack of logical thinking or sound reasoning. 2. Easily influenced or overly sentimental: Can describe someone who is gullible or whose thinking is overly influenced by emotion rather than logic.
Usage and Examples
- Describing a person:
- He was dismissed as a softheaded idealist who didn't understand how the real world worked.
- Don't be so softheaded; you can't trust every stranger you meet online.
- Describing an idea or plan:
- The proposal to solve the budget crisis by giving everyone more money was completely softheaded.
- We need practical solutions, not these softheaded theories.
Advanced Usage and Nuance
- The term often carries a tone of criticism or contempt, suggesting that the foolishness is obvious and should be recognized by others.
- It can imply a weakness of mind, contrasting with terms like "hardheaded" (practical and shrewd) or "clear-headed" (thinking logically).
Variants and Related Words
- Softhead (noun, rare): A foolish or gullible person.
- He's a bit of a softhead when it comes to get-rich-quick schemes.
- Soft-hearted (adjective): This is a distinct term meaning kind, sympathetic, and easily moved to pity. Do not confuse it with "softheaded," which relates to foolish thinking, not kind feelings.
Synonyms
- Foolish
- Unwise
- Imprudent
- Ill-advised
- Senseless
- Half-baked (informal)
- Screwball (informal)
Antonyms
- Sensible
- Prudent
- Judicious
- Wise
- Hardheaded
- Clear-headed
Adjective
- foolish; totally unsound
- a crazy scheme
- half-baked ideas
- a screwball proposal without a prayer of working