What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
goofy
Example
He made a goofy face and made everyone laugh. [goofy: adjective]
Example
The comedian's jokes were so goofy that the audience couldn't stop laughing. [goofy: adjective]
silly
Example
Don't be silly, you can't fit an elephant in your backpack. [silly: adjective]
Example
The children were playing silly games in the park. [silly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Silly is more commonly used than goofy in everyday language. Silly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while goofy is less common and often associated with physical humor or slapstick comedy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between goofy and silly?
While silly can be used in both informal and formal contexts, goofy is generally less formal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or situations.