WordGarden.iofool
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈuːl/
US
- /ˈful/
Meanings
Noun
a mildly derogatory term for a person regarded as lacking good sense or judgment
a jester or comic entertainer
a dessert made with fruit puree and cream or custard
Verb
to deceive or trick someone
to behave playfully, idly, or not seriously
Beyond the definition
To call someone a fool isn't just about them being silly; it suggests they lack good judgment or are easily tricked. Think of the jester in a medieval court—he could be funny, but he also pointed out foolishness in others! A "fool's errand" is a pointless task, and to "make a fool of" someone means to embarrass them publicly. Sometimes, though, a "fool" can be a character who speaks truth through seeming nonsense, like Shakespeare's fools. It all depends on the context: are they simply lacking sense, or playing a clever role?
The word "fool" carries a surprising amount of meaning. At its most basic, it describes someone who lacks good sense or judgment, or who acts in a silly or careless way. Imagine a character rushing into danger without thinking; that is a fool. "Don't be a fool and touch that hot stove!" warns against unwise actions.
But "fool" is not always just an insult. Historically, a fool was also a court jester, an entertainer in a royal court. In stories and plays, especially in Shakespeare, this kind of character is often funny on the surface but wise underneath, using jokes and strange remarks to point out the truth.
The word also works as a verb. To "fool" someone means to trick or deceive them. For example: "He tried to fool me into thinking he was rich." It also appears in common expressions. A "fool's errand" is a pointless task that is likely to fail, and to "make a fool of" someone means to make them look silly or embarrass them.
So, while it is often used as an insult, "fool" can also name a traditional comic character, describe someone being tricked, or warn against reckless behavior. It is a flexible word in English, and the exact meaning depends on whether it is used as a noun, a verb, or part of an expression.
Examples
- 1
Bad judgment
You'd be a fool to ignore that warning.
- 2
Social mistake
I felt like a fool when I called her by the wrong name.
- 3
Misleading appearance
Don't let his quiet voice fool you; he's very confident.
- 4
School cheating
He fooled the teacher by copying someone else's work.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Trick into action
They fooled him into signing the paper.
- Patternfool someone into + -ing
trick someone so they do it
- 6
Self-deception
Be honest with yourself and don't fool yourself about the risks.
- Phrasefool yourself
believe something false because you want to
- 7
Public embarrassment
He made a fool of himself at the office party.
- Phrasemake a fool of yourself
behave in a way that makes you look silly
- 8
Money sense
She's no fool when it comes to money.
- Phraseno fool
clever and not easy to trick
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- foolnounverbadjective
Forms
- foolspluralnounverbadjective
- fooledpast tenseverbnounadjective
- fooling-ing formverbnounadjective