befool: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary, Archaic, or Humorous
Quick answer
What does “befool” mean?
To deceive or trick someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To deceive or trick someone; to make a fool of.
To treat someone as a fool; to dupe, hoodwink, or outwit in a contemptuous or manipulative manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally archaic and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, it carries a somewhat archaic or Shakespearean flavour. It might be used for deliberate, stylistic effect.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech and writing in both the UK and US. It is more likely to be encountered in historical texts or parodies of such language.
Grammar
How to Use “befool” in a Sentence
[Subject] befools [Object] (transitive).To befool [Object] into [doing something].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “befool” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The con artist sought to befool the elderly couple with his fake investment scheme.
- Do not think you can befool me with such a transparent lie.
American English
- The magician's act was designed to delight, not to befool the audience maliciously.
- He felt befooled by the car salesman's promises.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in literary analysis of historical texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound odd or pretentious.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “befool”
- Using it in modern, casual contexts where 'trick' or 'fool' is expected.
- Confusing it with 'befoul' (to make dirty).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or literary. Modern synonyms like 'trick', 'deceive', or 'fool' are far more common.
Yes, though rare, it can be used reflexively to mean 'to delude oneself'.
Their meaning is very similar. 'Befool' is a single, archaic verb, while 'make a fool of' is the modern phrasal expression. 'Befool' can sound more deliberate or formal.
For most learners, it is more useful to recognise it passively. Active use is only recommended for specific stylistic purposes (e.g., creative writing, historical dialogue) as it will sound unusual in everyday conversation.
To deceive or trick someone.
Befool is usually literary, archaic, or humorous in register.
Befool: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈfuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈful/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'befool'. Related: 'make a fool of', 'pull the wool over someone's eyes'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BE a FOOL → someone makes you BE a FOOL = BEFOOL you.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS A PERFORMANCE (making someone play the fool's role).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'befool' be LEAST appropriate?