folie Definition
- 1a madness or frenzy; a foolish or extravagant fancy
- 2a decorative motif consisting of a stylized leaf, typically used in French architecture and decoration
Using folie: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "folie" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The artist's folie was to paint everything in shades of blue.
Example
The king's folie led him to build an extravagant palace.
Example
She danced with a folie that made her the center of attention.
Example
The room was decorated with folies in the corners.
folie Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with folie
a rare psychiatric disorder in which symptoms of a delusional belief are transmitted from one individual to another
Example
The couple suffered from folie à deux, believing they were being followed by secret agents.
a French phrase meaning 'joy of living and madness', often used to describe a carefree and adventurous lifestyle
Example
She embraced the joie de vivre et folie of Parisian culture, staying out late and trying new things.
a French phrase meaning 'the madness of grandeur', often used to describe excessive ambition or arrogance
Example
His la folie des grandeurs led him to make risky business decisions, ultimately resulting in bankruptcy.
Origins of folie
from Old French 'folie', meaning 'madness'
Summary: folie in Brief
'Folie' [foh-lee] refers to madness or frenzy, as well as a decorative motif used in French architecture. It can describe extravagant fancies, such as 'The artist's folie was to paint everything in shades of blue,' or be used in phrases like 'folie à deux,' a rare psychiatric disorder. The French phrase 'joie de vivre et folie' describes a carefree and adventurous lifestyle.
