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 a risky venture. [folly: noun]
Example
She committed the folly of quitting her job without having another one lined up. [folly: noun]
imprudence
Example
His imprudence in spending all his savings on a vacation left him in debt. [imprudence: noun]
Example
She acted with imprudence by driving under the influence of alcohol. [imprudence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imprudence is more commonly used than folly in everyday language, as it covers a broader range of situations and behaviors. Folly is more commonly used in literary or poetic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between folly and imprudence?
Both folly and imprudence are relatively formal words, but imprudence is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while folly is more limited in its usage.
