a person who lacks good sense or judgment; a silly or stupid person, to trick or deceive someone

be nobody's fool, more fool you/him/her, there's no fool like an old fool

play the fool, make a fool of oneself, fool's paradise

Formal and Informal Expressions of fool

In different contexts, you can replace 'fool' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'simpleton, person lacking judgment' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'idiot, nincompoop' is a commonplace synonym.

fool: Explore its Definition & Usage

fool Definition

1a person who lacks good sense or judgment; a silly or stupid person
2to trick or deceive someone

Using fool: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fool" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
Don't be a fool and risk your life for a dare.
Example
He was made a fool of by his friends.
Example
She felt like a fool for forgetting her own birthday.
Example
He fooled me into thinking he was someone else.

fool Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for fool

Antonyms for fool

genius
wise person

Idioms Using fool

be nobody's fool
to be clever and not easily deceived
Example
She may seem naive, but she's nobody's fool.
more fool you/him/her
used to express disapproval of someone's actions
Example
If you lend him money again, more fool you!
there's no fool like an old fool
older people can be just as foolish as young people
Example
He should know better at his age, but there's no fool like an old fool.

Phrases with fool

play the fool
to act in a silly or foolish way
Example
He played the fool to make his friends laugh.
make a fool of oneself
to behave in a way that makes oneself look stupid or ridiculous
Example
She made a fool of herself by tripping on stage.
fool's paradise
a state of happiness based on a false belief or illusion
Example
He was living in a fool's paradise, thinking he could get away with cheating.

Origins of fool

from Old French 'fol', meaning 'mad, insane'

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Summary: fool in Brief

The term 'fool' [fuːl] refers to a person who lacks good sense or judgment, often behaving in a silly or stupid way. It can also mean to trick or deceive someone. Examples include 'Don't be a fool and risk your life for a dare.' and 'He fooled me into thinking he was someone else.' Phrases like 'play the fool' and idioms like 'be nobody's fool' further illustrate the concept of foolishness.