folly

fol·ly

noun \ˈfä-lē\

plural follies

Definition of FOLLY

1

: lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight

2

a : criminally or tragically foolish actions or conduct

b obsolete : evil, wickedness; especially : lewd behavior

3

: a foolish act or idea

4

: an excessively costly or unprofitable undertaking

5

: an often extravagant picturesque building erected to suit a fanciful taste

Examples of FOLLY

1. the folly of driving fast on steep, winding roads
2. his folly in thinking that he would not be noticed
3. The folly of such an action should be apparent to everyone.
4. the follies of the modern world
5. the famous Ziegfeld Follies of the 1920s

Origin of FOLLY

Middle English folie, from Anglo-French, from fol fool

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to FOLLY

Synonyms

absurdity, asininity, bêtise, fatuity, foolery, foppery, idiocy, imbecility, inanity, insanity, lunacy, stupidity

Antonyms

prudence, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sanity, sapience, sensibleness, soundness, wisdom

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

Rhymes with FOLLY

Bali, brolly, Cali, collie, colly, Dalí, dolly, golly, holly, jolly, lolly, Mali, molly, Pali, poly, quale, trolley, volley

folly

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In architecture, an eccentric, generally nonfunctional (and often deliberately unfinished) structure erected to enhance a romantic landscape. Follies were particularly in vogue in England in the 18th and early 19th century. They might resemble medieval towers, ruined castles overgrown with vines, or crumbling Classical temples complete with fallen, eroded columns. In the U.S., the term has been applied to ornate gazebos. It may also be applied to any unusual building that is extravagant or whimsical in style.