Silly Meaning in English

word

US

/ˈsɪɫi/

SI-lee

UK

/sˈɪli/

SI-lee

Definition

If someone or something is silly, they are a little foolish, playful, or not serious. It can describe harmless behavior, childish ideas, or something that seems stupid.

Usage & Nuances

Often mild and not very harsh: calling someone 'silly' is usually softer than 'stupid'. It can be negative ('a silly mistake') or affectionate/playful ('Don't be silly', 'a silly joke'). Common collocations: 'silly idea', 'silly face', 'silly question', 'silly mistake'.

• Spanish: tonto - bobo - ridículo
• Portuguese (BR): bobo - tolo - ridículo
• Portuguese (PT): parvo - tolo - ridículo
• Chinese (Simplified): 傻的 - 愚蠢的 - 可笑的
• Chinese (Traditional): 傻的 - 愚蠢的 - 可笑的
• Hindi: बेवकूफ़ - मूर्खतापूर्ण - बचकाना
• Arabic: سخيف - أحمق - تافه
• Bengali: মূর্খ - পাগলাটে - বোকা
• Russian: глупый - смешной
• Japanese: ばかげた - ふざけた
• Vietnamese: ngớ ngẩn - ngốc nghếch - ngây ngô
• Korean: 바보 같은 - 엉뚱한
• Turkish: aptalca - saçma - şapşal
• Urdu: بیوقوف - بچگانہ
• Indonesian: konyol - bodoh (tidak serius)

Example Sentences

That is a silly hat.

basic

The kids made silly faces at the camera.

basic

I made a silly mistake in my homework.

basic

Don't be silly—of course I'll help you.

natural

We stayed up late telling silly jokes.

natural

It feels silly to worry about that now.

natural