Play GamesMy progressVocabulary testSettings
en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Please, sign up or log in to not lose your learning progress!

"Foolish" vs. "idiotic": a tale of two blunders

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 01/10/2024, 00:13
English.me team member
Foolish and idiotic. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "foolish" and "idiotic" describe a lack of good sense or judgment.

What is different?

"Foolish" is often considered less offensive and can imply harmlessness or innocence, while "idiotic" is more derogatory and suggests a more severe lack of intelligence or sense.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for foolish) and idiotic

Examples of usage

Foolish
  • It was foolish of me to forget my keys.
  • She made a foolish decision by not studying for the test.
Idiotic
  • His plan to drive without a map was idiotic.
  • It was idiotic to ignore the warning signs.

Recommended posts in Difference

"Smart" vs. "clever": what's the difference?

"Smart" vs. "clever": what's the difference?

While "smart" can refer more generally to intelligence, appearance, or ... Learn more →

"Pulse" and "rhythm": beating in unison or marching to different drums?

"Pulse" and "rhythm": beating in unison or marching to different drums?

"Pulse" generally refers to a single beat or throb, such ... Learn more →

"Robust" vs. "strong": untangling two mighty words

"Robust" vs. "strong": untangling two mighty words

"Robust" often implies sturdiness and the ability to withstand difficult ... Learn more →

"Dire" vs. "horrendous": distinguishing severity in language

"Dire" vs. "horrendous": distinguishing severity in language

The word "dire" often implies urgent or desperate situations needing ... Learn more →