bêtise

noun

bê·​tise bā-ˈtēz 

plural bêtises bā-ˈtēz 

1

: an act of foolishness or stupidity

2

: lack of good sense : stupidity

Synonyms

• absurdity
• asininity
• fatuity
• folly
• foolery
• foppery
• idiocy
• imbecility
• inanity
• insanity
• lunacy
• stupidity

Example Sentences

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

Word History

Etymology

French, from bête idiot, fool, literally, beast

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1