51Թ

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View synonyms for

folly

[fol-ee]

noun

plural

follies 
  1. the state or quality of being foolish; lack of understanding or sense.

  2. a foolish action, practice, idea, etc.; absurdity.

    the folly of performing without a rehearsal.

    Synonyms: , , , , , , ,
  3. a costly and foolish undertaking; unwise investment or expenditure.

  4. Architecture.a whimsical or extravagant structure built to serve as a conversation piece, lend interest to a view, commemorate a person or event, etc.: found especially in England in the 18th century.

  5. follies, a theatrical revue.

  6. Obsolete.wickedness; wantonness.



folly

/ ˈɒɪ /

noun

  1. the state or quality of being foolish; stupidity; rashness

  2. a foolish action, mistake, idea, etc

  3. a building in the form of a castle, temple, etc, built to satisfy a fancy or conceit, often of an eccentric kind

  4. (plural) theatre an elaborately costumed revue

  5. archaic

    1. evil; wickedness

    2. lewdness; wantonness

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • superfolly noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of folly1

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English folie, from Old French, derivative of fol, fou “foolish, mad”; equivalent to fool 1 + -y 3 ( def. )
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of folly1

C13: from Old French folie madness, from fou mad; see fool 1
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It was the attitude of supreme arrogance, in which mortals in their folly would set themselves up against the gods.

From

Of course, they are perfect for each other, but as situations prompt a détente, Félix arrives to accompany Agathe to the retreat’s Ball, widening the path for romantic folly.

From

It’s folly to focus on artificial food dyes while undermining vaccination science and firing those charged with real work that keeps us healthy and safe.

From

And so, in a fit of brilliant folly, they decided to take it on themselves — financially and logistically.

From

Lord Mullholland told the teenager: "If there was ever a case which shows the utter folly of running with a gang, it is this."

From

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When To Use

What does folly mean?

A folly is a foolish action. Follies can refer to various unwise practices, buildings with a purely ornamental purpose, or cabaret-style theatrical revues featuring lots of beautiful, dancing women.

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