B2noun 2K

Fool

UK /["/fuːl/"]/ US /["/fuːl/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

a person who you think behaves or speaks in a way that lacks intelligence or good judgement

Listen to definition

In simple words: a person who makes mistakes or is easily tricked

Examples

• He felt like a fool after forgetting his best friend's birthday.
• Don't be a fool by trusting every suspicious email.
• The court jester was known as a fool, entertaining the king with jokes.
• Only a fool would ignore such clear advice from experts.
• In Shakespeare's plays, the fool often speaks truth in riddles.
• She acted like a fool when she spilled coffee on her boss's documents.

Usage notes

Used when someone is deceived or makes a silly decision. Avoid in serious contexts to not offend someone.

Grammar pattern

fool + object

Memory hint

Think of the phrase 'Don't be a fool!'—imagine a clown making silly mistakes.

Collocations

• big
• great
• silly
• feel
• feel like
• look
• like a fool
• fool of a something
• act the fool
• play the fool
• be no fool

Synonyms

• idiot
• jester

Antonyms

• genius
• sensible
• wise

Common mistakes

• Using 'fool' as a verb without an object, e.g., 'I fool.'
• Confusing 'fool' with 'fools' as plural without context.
• Overusing in formal conversations where 'deceived' may be more appropriate.