folly

Pronunciation: /ˈfɑli/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
  2. noun a stupid mistake
  3. noun the quality of being rash and foolish

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English folie, from Old French folie (“madness”), from the adjective fol (“mad, insane”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

foolishness, unwiseness

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
trait
Narrower (hyponyms)
indiscretion, absurdity, asininity
Opposite (antonyms)
wisdom

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