Fatuous

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈfæt.ju.É™s/
• US IPA: /ˈfætʃ.u.É™s/

Origin

From Latin fatuus ("foolish, silly, simple").

Full definition of fatuous

Adjective

1. Obnoxiously stupid, vacantly silly, content in one's foolishness.To compare the intelligence levels of men and women is itself fatuous.

Usage notes

Refers especially to foolishness and disregard of reality.

Synonyms

• (obnoxiously stupid) childish, imbecilic, inane, insipid, puerile

Related terms

• fatuity
• fatuously
• fatuousness
• infatuate