folly
pronunciation
How to pronounce folly in British English:
UK [ˈfɒli]
How to pronounce folly in American English:
US [ˈfɑli]
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- Noun:
- the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
- a stupid mistake
- the quality of being rash and foolish
- foolish or senseless behavior
Word Origin
- folly
- folly: see fool
- folly (n.)
- early 13c., "mental weakness; foolish behavior or character; unwise conduct" (in Middle English including wickedness, lewdness, madness), from Old French folie "folly, madness, stupidity" (12c.), from fol (see fool (n.)). From c. 1300 as "an example of foolishness;" sense of "costly structure considered to have shown folly in the builder" is attested from 1650s. But used much earlier, since Middle English, in place names, especially country estates, probably as a form of Old French folie in its meaning "delight." Related: Follies.
Synonym
Example
- 1. So when depression economics prevails , prudence is folly .
- 2. Is this just a moment of collective folly , a wilful blindness to the lessons of the past ?
- 3. Would the american president still feel obliged to defend israel from the consequences of its own folly ?
- 4. But that would be utter folly .
- 5. Folly and ignorance play a part .