silly
SIHL-ee
Silly (adjective) means Foolish or lacking good sense; done or said in a way that invites laughter. Example: “It was silly to leave the windows open during the storm.”
adjective
1
Foolish or lacking good sense; done or said in a way that invites laughter.
"It was silly to leave the windows open during the storm."
"They spent the evening making silly faces for the camera."
"Don't be silly, you cannot walk home in this heavy rain."
noun
1
(informal) A foolish person, often used affectionately.
"You forgot your keys again, you silly!"
"Come here, you silly, and give me a hug."
"Oh, you big silly, of course I am not cross with you."
How to use silly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFoolish, or acting in a foolish and often amusing way.
Memory tip
Calling someone "silly" is usually mild and affectionate, not a harsh insult like "stupid."
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
silly mistake
silly question
act silly
silly billy
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Word forms
- Plural
- sillies
- Comparative
- sillier
- Superlative
- silliest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was _____ to leave the windows open during the storm.
Etymology
From Old English sælig, "lucky, blessed" — the meaning drifted over centuries from "blessed" to "innocent" to "simple" and finally to today's "foolish," a similar journey to the word "daft."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for silly
See all rhymes for silly →Frequently asked questions
What does “silly” mean?
The word “silly” means foolish or lacking good sense; done or said in a way that invites laughter. In plain terms, foolish, or acting in a foolish and often amusing way.
How do you pronounce “silly”?
“Silly” is pronounced SIHL-ee (/ˈsɪl.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “silly” in a sentence?
Here is “silly” used in a sentence: “It was silly to leave the windows open during the storm.”
What is another word for “silly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “silly” include charming and Also see Thesaurus:foolish.
What is the opposite of “silly”?
The opposite of “silly” — its antonyms — is pious.
What part of speech is “silly”?
Depending on how it is used, “silly” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “silly” come from?
The word “silly” comes from Old English. From Old English sælig, "lucky, blessed" — the meaning drifted over centuries from "blessed" to "innocent" to "simple" and finally to today's "foolish," a similar journey to the word "daft.".
Is “silly” a common word?
“Silly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between silly and stupid?
Silly describes behaviour that is foolish or lacking good sense in a light, often laughable way, and it is frequently affectionate. Stupid is a harsher word that criticises someone's intelligence and is far more likely to offend. A silly joke invites laughter; calling someone stupid is an insult.
Is calling someone silly an insult?
Usually not a serious one. Silly is one of the gentlest words for foolish, and the noun use, as in "you silly," is often affectionate, especially with children or close friends. Context and tone matter, though: in a formal setting or an argument, calling an idea silly is dismissive.
What is the difference between silly and foolish?
Both describe a lack of good sense, but foolish is the more serious criticism, suggesting poor judgment with real consequences, as in a foolish investment. Silly is lighter and often implies harmless, laughter-inviting behaviour, like a silly dance. You can be silly on purpose for fun, but people are rarely foolish on purpose.
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