Foolish vs It makes us feel like fools

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Foolish

Top 2,000 (common)

It makes us feel like fools

Top 2,000 (common)
 FoolishIt makes us feel like fools
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˈfuːlɪʃ//🇺🇸 //ˈfuːlɪʃ//🇬🇧 //ɪt meɪks ʌs fiːl laɪk fuːlz//🇺🇸 //ɪt meɪks ʌs fiːl laɪk fuːlz//
MeaningNot smart or sensible; lacking good judgement.It makes us feel silly
ExampleIt was foolish to invest all his savings in that risky project.When he revealed the secret, it makes us feel like fools for not knowing.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationsfoolish mistake, foolish behavior, foolish decision, foolish question, foolish ideamakes us feel, feel like fools, makes us look foolish, makes us appear silly, feel embarrassed
Antonymswise, sensible, prudent, smart-
Common mistakesConfusing 'foolish' with 'silly' - 'foolish' implies a lack of wisdom while 'silly' is lighter., Using 'foolish' as a noun - it's strictly an adjective., Incorrectly spelling 'foolish' as 'foolosh'.Confused with 'it make us feel like fool' - must use 'fools' for plural., Omitting 'like' - 'makes us feel fools' is incorrect., Misusing in questions - structure changes, e.g., 'Does it make us feel like fools?'
Usage notesUse 'foolish' in both formal and informal contexts when describing decisions or actions that lack wisdom. Avoid using it in serious or sensitive situations where it might offend the person involved.Use this phrase in contexts where someone feels embarrassed or foolish. It's neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

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Foolish
It makes us feel like fools

Frequently asked questions: Foolish vs It makes us feel like fools

What's the difference between Foolish and It makes us feel like fools?

Foolish: Not smart or sensible; lacking good judgement. It makes us feel like fools: It makes us feel silly

Can you show an example of each?

Foolish: It was foolish to invest all his savings in that risky project. It makes us feel like fools: When he revealed the secret, it makes us feel like fools for not knowing.

Can I use Foolish and It makes us feel like fools interchangeably?

Not always. Foolish and It makes us feel like fools are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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