daft
Daft (adj) means Foolish, silly, or lacking good sense. Example: “Don't be daft — of course I'll help you move house.”
How to use daft
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFoolish or silly — a very common British English word for something (or someone) not very sensible.
Common and casual in British English; American speakers would more likely say "silly" or "crazy."
Word forms
dafter comparative, daftest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't be _____ — of course I'll help you move house.
Etymology
From Old English dæfte, meaning "gentle" or "mild" — the meaning shifted over centuries from "meek" to "foolish," in a similar way to how "silly" once meant "innocent" but now means "foolish."
Rhymes for daft
See all rhymes for daft →Frequently asked questions
What does “daft” mean?
The word “daft” means foolish, silly, or lacking good sense. In plain terms, foolish or silly — a very common British English word for something (or someone) not very sensible.
How do you pronounce “daft”?
“Daft” is pronounced dahft (/dæft/ in IPA).
How do you use “daft” in a sentence?
Here is “daft” used in a sentence: “Don't be daft — of course I'll help you move house.”
What part of speech is “daft”?
“Daft” is an adjective.
Where does the word “daft” come from?
The word “daft” comes from Old English. From Old English dæfte, meaning "gentle" or "mild" — the meaning shifted over centuries from "meek" to "foolish," in a similar way to how "silly" once meant "innocent" but now means "foolish.".
Is “daft” a common word?
“Daft” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “daft” have?
“Daft” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: foolish, silly, or lacking good sense.