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

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Rhymes with FOLLY

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