foolish

Everyday

1. Foolish means silly or not sensible; showing poor judgement. tree →
2. To feel foolish is to feel silly or embarrassed. tree →
3. To look foolish is to seem stupid to others. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and fables, foolish characters make bad choices and learn lessons. In safety talks, it is foolish to take risks like swimming alone. It is a softer word than «stupid». Phrases: a foolish mistake, feel foolish, it would be foolish to.

Examples

• It was foolish to leave your bike unlocked. tree →
• I felt foolish when I fell over in front of everyone. tree →
• The foolish crow dropped its cheese. tree →
• Don't do anything foolish, like climbing on the roof. tree →
• He foolishly spent all his pocket money in one day. tree →
• It would be foolish to swim in a rough sea. tree →
• The king made a foolish promise. tree →
• "Ah, you foolish fellows!" he cried. tree →

Note

Comparison usually «more foolish», «most foolish». Noun: fool, foolishness. «Foolish» is milder and more polite than «stupid» or «idiotic», but it can still hurt.

In Jewish tradition

It is used of the people that forgets God.

Interpretation. Moses' song calls Israel "foolish people and unwise" for repaying God's kindness with wrong. Tradition reads this as a call to remember God's gifts.

Examples

• Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not He thy father that hath gotten thee? hath He not made thee, and established thee? (Torah DEU.32.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• For anger killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one. (Writings JOB.5.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• I have seen the foolish taking root; but suddenly I beheld his habitation cursed. (Writings JOB.5.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother. (Writings PRO.15.20, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Comparison usually «more foolish», «most foolish». Noun: fool, foolishness. «Foolish» is milder and more polite than «stupid» or «idiotic», but it can still hurt.