bêtise

bê·tise

noun \bā-ˈtēz\

plural bê·tises\-ˈtēz\

Definition of BÊTISE

1

: an act of foolishness or stupidity

2

: lack of good sense : stupidity

Examples of BÊTISE

1. <writing a sequel to a Jane Austen novel must be regarded as a literary bêtise of the highest order>

Origin of BÊTISE

French, from bête idiot, fool, literally, beast

First Known Use: 1798

Related to BÊTISE

Synonyms: absurdity, asininity, folly, fatuity, foolery, foppery, idiocy, imbecility, inanity, insanity, lunacy, stupidity

Related Words: absurdness, craziness, foolishness, inaneness, madness, senselessness, witlessness; buffoonery, monkeyshine(s), shenanigan(s), tomfoolery; drivel, humbug, nonsense, twaddle; blunder, bungle, flub, goof, howler

Near Antonyms: discretion, forethought, prudence, sagacity, wisdom; brainstorm, inspiration

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