Main Entry:

sil·ly

Pronunciation:

\ˈsi-lē\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

sil·li·er; sil·li·est

Etymology:

Middle English sely, silly happy, innocent, pitiable, feeble, from Old English sǣlig, from sǣl happiness; akin to Old High German sālig happy

Date:

14th century

1archaic : helpless, weak2 a: rustic, plain bobsolete : lowly in station : humble3 a: weak in intellect : foolish b: exhibiting or indicative of a lack of common sense or sound judgment <a very silly mistake> c: trifling, frivolous4: being stunned or dazed <scared silly> <knocked me silly>

synonyms see simple

— sil·li·ly \ˈsi-lə-lē\ adverb

— sil·li·ness \ˈsi-lē-nəs\ noun

— silly noun or adverb