silly
/ˈsɪl.i/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Not sensible, serious, or intelligent. It can describe a person, idea, action, or comment that seems foolish or childish.
- That was a silly mistake.
- Don't be silly.
- It was a silly thing to say.
- 2.
Playful, funny, or not serious in a friendly way. In this use, it is often light and affectionate.
- We had a silly laugh together.
- The movie is silly but entertaining.
- My brother made a silly face.
Adinary Nuance
Silly is weaker and more informal than foolish or stupid. It often sounds light, playful, or mildly critical, not harsh. Writers choose silly when they want to sound friendly, teasing, or less serious.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ngớ ngẩn
- Spanish
- tonto
- Chinese
- 傻的
- Japanese
- ばかげた
- Korean
- 바보 같은
Etymology
Silly comes from Old English sælig, which originally meant 'happy' or 'fortunate.' Its meaning changed over time to mean 'innocent,' then 'foolish' in Middle English.
Common phrases
silly mistakesilly questionsilly gamesilly face
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is silly rude or insulting?
- Usually no. It can sound teasing, mild, or affectionate, but it may still feel unkind in some situations.
- What is the difference between silly and stupid?
- Silly is softer and less insulting. Stupid is much stronger and can sound offensive.
- Can I say 'Don't be silly'?
- Yes. It is a very common phrase, often used to dismiss worry or joke with someone.
- Is silly used in formal writing?
- Not much. It is more common in speech, stories, and casual writing.