What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
folly
Example
It was a folly to invest all his money in that risky venture. [folly: noun]
Example
The proposed plan to build a giant statue of himself was pure folly. [folly: noun]
Example
The castle's folly tower was built purely for decoration and had no functional purpose. [folly: adjective]
foolishness
Example
His foolishness cost him his job. [foolishness: noun]
Example
Her constant giggling and silly jokes were a sign of her foolishness. [foolishness: noun]
Example
It's foolishness to drive without wearing a seatbelt. [foolishness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foolishness is more commonly used than folly in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between folly and foolishness?
Folly is often used in a more formal context, such as literature or history, while foolishness is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
