Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [fol-ee]
- /ˈfɒl i/
- /ˈfɒl.i/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [fol-ee]
- /ˈfɒl i/
Definitions of folly word
- noun plural folly the state or quality of being foolish; lack of understanding or sense. 1
- noun plural folly a foolish action, practice, idea, etc.; absurdity: the folly of performing without a rehearsal. 1
- noun plural folly a costly and foolish undertaking; unwise investment or expenditure. 1
- noun plural folly Architecture. a whimsical or extravagant structure built to serve as a conversation piece, lend interest to a view, commemorate a person or event, etc.: found especially in England in the 18th century. 1
- noun plural folly follies, a theatrical revue. 1
- noun plural folly Obsolete. wickedness; wantonness. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of folly
First appearance:
before 1175 One of the 8% oldest English words
1175-1225; Middle English folie < Old French, derivative of fol, fou foolish, mad. See fool1
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Folly
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
folly popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 88% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
folly usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for folly
noun folly
- madness — the state of being mad; insanity.
- silliness — weak-minded or lacking good sense; stupid or foolish: a silly writer.
- craziness — mentally deranged; demented; insane.
- absurdity — the quality or state of being absurd; nonsense
- indiscretion — lack of discretion; imprudence.
Antonyms for folly
noun folly
- knowledge — acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition: knowledge of many things.
- wisdom — the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.
- sense — any of the faculties, as sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch, by which humans and animals perceive stimuli originating from outside or inside the body: My sense of smell tells me that dinner is ready.
- care — If you care about something, you feel that it is important and are concerned about it.
- carefulness — cautious in one's actions: Be careful when you cross the street.
Top questions with folly
- what does folly mean?
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