This is fitting, as the word shares an origin with the word fatuous, which means complacently or inanely foolish. Both words come from the Latin fatuus (“foolish”), although fatuous is not often used in the romantic contexts in which we find infatuate. Add to word list foolish or done without thinking: a fatuous remark (Definition of fatuous from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) Fatuous definition: foolish or inane, especially in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly; witless.. See examples of FATUOUS used in a sentence. Foolish or silly, especially in a smug or self-satisfied way: "an era of delicious, fatuous optimism shaped by the belief that enough good will on the part of people like ourselves could repair anything" (Shirley Abbott). If you describe a person, action, or remark as fatuous, you think that they are extremely silly, showing a lack of intelligence or thought. Jul 1, 2025 · fatuous (comparative more fatuous, superlative most fatuous) A fatuous love affair can easily result in a fatuous marriage. A couple who hardly know each other and, indeed, may not even really like each other, make a commitment that has little chance of being honoured. Definition of fatuous adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Fatuous means lacking intelligence. When your mother outlaws calling your brother stupid, use fatuous instead. Fatuous derives from the Latin fatuus meaning "foolish." It sounds like it should have something to do with being fat, but it actually has no relation to size. Britannica Dictionary definition of FATUOUS [more fatuous; most fatuous] : foolish or stupid fatuous remarks fatuous notions The term fatuous describes something that is foolish or devoid of intelligence, often characterized by silliness or lack of seriousness. Exploring its etymology and usage reveals its significance in describing
actions, statements, or ideas that are lacking in depth or wisdom.
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