bêtise

noun

bê·​tise bā-ˈtēz How to pronounce bêtise (audio)
plural bêtises bā-ˈtēz How to pronounce bêtise (audio)
Synonyms of bêtisenext
1
: an act of foolishness or stupidity
2
: lack of good sense : stupidity

Synonyms

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Examples of bêtise in a Sentence

writing a sequel to a Jane Austen novel must be regarded as a literary bêtise of the highest order

Word History

Etymology

French, from bête idiot, fool, literally, beast

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bêtise was in 1798

Browse Nearby Words

betis
bêtise
betitle
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Cite this Entry

“Bêtise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/b%C3%AAtise. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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