What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foolish
Example
It was foolish of him to quit his job without having another one lined up. [foolish: adjective]
Example
She made a foolish mistake by leaving her phone on the train. [foolish: adjective]
Example
He acted foolishly by trying to jump over the fence and ended up injuring himself. [foolishly: adverb]
stupid
Example
I can't believe he failed the test again. He's so stupid. [stupid: adjective]
Example
She made a stupid mistake by investing all her money in a risky venture. [stupid: adjective]
Example
He acted stupidly by driving under the influence and getting arrested. [stupidly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stupid is more commonly used in everyday language than foolish. It is a stronger word with a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foolish and stupid?
Neither foolish nor stupid are particularly formal words, but foolish is generally considered less harsh and more forgiving than stupid.
