silly
word
/ˈsɪɫi/
SI-lee
/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 - ridículoPortuguese (BR): bobo - tolo - ridículoPortuguese (PT): parvo - tolo - ridículoChinese (Simplified): 傻的 - 愚蠢的 - 可笑的Chinese (Traditional): 傻的 - 愚蠢的 - 可笑的Hindi: बेवकूफ़ - मूर्खतापूर्ण - बचकानाArabic: سخيف - أحمق - تافهBengali: মূর্খ - পাগলাটে - বোকাRussian: глупый - смешнойJapanese: ばかげた - ふざけたVietnamese: ngớ ngẩn - ngốc nghếch - ngây ngôKorean: 바보 같은 - 엉뚱한Turkish: aptalca - saçma - şapşalUrdu: بیوقوف - بچگانہIndonesian: konyol - bodoh (tidak serius)
Example Sentences
That is a silly hat.
basic
Don't be silly—of course I'll help you.
natural
The kids made silly faces at the camera.
basic
I made a silly mistake in my homework.
basic
We stayed up late telling silly jokes.
natural
It feels silly to worry about that now.
natural