What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fatuous
Example
It was a fatuous decision to invest all his money in a risky venture. [fatuous: adjective]
Example
The politician's fatuous remarks were met with ridicule from the audience. [fatuous: plural noun]
silly
Example
The children were giggling and being silly during recess. [silly: adjective]
Example
The comedian's silly jokes had the audience in stitches. [silly: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Silly is a more common word than fatuous and is used in a wide range of contexts, from playful to critical. Fatuous is a less common word and is typically used in more formal or serious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fatuous and silly?
Fatuous is a more formal word than silly and is typically used in more serious or academic contexts. Silly is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the tone and context of the sentence.
