foolery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; often used in written or descriptive contexts rather than casual conversation. Can carry a literary or slightly archaic tone.
Quick answer
What does “foolery” mean?
Silly, foolish, or nonsensical behavior.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Silly, foolish, or nonsensical behavior; actions or things that lack sense or seriousness.
The collective actions, events, or speech characterized by absurdity, triviality, or lack of judgement; often implying a waste of time or resources on frivolous matters.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both dialects, though slightly more prevalent in British English, where it can appear in more formal or historical contexts.
Connotations
Often carries a tone of mild exasperation, disdain, or wry amusement at the perceived stupidity.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects; considered a somewhat elevated or descriptive word.
Grammar
How to Use “foolery” in a Sentence
[Subject] engage in foolery[Subject] is/are sheer fooleryput an end to [Possessive] fooleryVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foolery” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may be used critically: 'The board dismissed the proposal as corporate foolery.'
Academic
Used in literary or historical analysis to critique ideas: 'The paper examines the foolery in the court of Henry VIII.'
Everyday
Used to express frustration with silly actions: 'I've no time for this foolery.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foolery”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foolery”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foolery”
- Using it as a countable noun (*'a foolery').
- Confusing it with 'folly', which is a more serious, costly foolish act.
- Misspelling as 'foolary' or 'foolery'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonyms. 'Tomfoolery' is slightly more informal and often implies playful, mischievous foolishness.
Rarely. It is almost always used critically or dismissively, though it can describe harmless, amusing silliness in a light-hearted context.
No, it is a mid-frequency, somewhat literary word. More common synonyms are 'nonsense' or 'foolishness'.
It is exclusively a noun (uncountable).
Silly, foolish, or nonsensical behavior.
Foolery is usually formal to neutral; often used in written or descriptive contexts rather than casual conversation. can carry a literary or slightly archaic tone. in register.
Foolery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfuː.lər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfuː.lɚ.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “April foolery (rare, for April Fools' Day pranks)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A FOOL's galaxERY' — a galaxy full of foolish behavior.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOLISH BEHAVIOR IS A WORTHLESS SPECTACLE / A CHILD'S PLAY.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'foolery' correctly?