different between witless vs foolish

English

Etymology

From Middle English witles, from Old English witl?as (“senseless; witless”), from Proto-Germanic *witjalausaz (“witless”), equivalent to wit +? -less. Cognate with Swedish vettlös (“senseless; witless; wild”), Icelandic vitlaus (“senseless; witless; foolish; mad”).

Adjective

witless (comparative more witless, superlative most witless)

1. Lacking wit or understanding
2. indiscreet; not using clear and sound judgment.

Usage notes

• This term is frequently found in phrases such as scared witless, witless with fear, and so on.

Antonyms

• witful

Derived terms

• witlessly
• witlessness

Translations

References

witless in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.

Anagrams

• Wiltses, twissel

English

Etymology

From Middle English folisch; equivalent to fool +? -ish.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?fu?.l??/

Adjective

foolish (comparative foolisher or more foolish, superlative foolishest or most foolish)

1. (of a person, an action, etc.) Lacking good sense or judgement; unwise.
2. Resembling or characteristic of a fool.

Synonyms

• absurd
• idiotic
• ridiculous
• silly
• unwise

Antonyms

• wise

Derived terms

• a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds
• foolishly
• foolishness

Translations