Asinine

Adjective

Definition: Extremely stupid or foolish.

Synonyms: Silly, Ridiculous, Absurd, Foolish

Antonyms: Intelligent, Wise, Sensible

Examples:
  • His decision to quit his job without a backup plan was asinine.
  • The politician's asinine comments drew criticism from the public.
Mnemonics:
  • "Ass" in asinine can remind you of something foolish or ridiculous.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "asinine" derives from the Latin word "asinus," meaning "ass" or "donkey" which has been historically associated with stupidity or stubbornness.

Historical Usage:

The term has been in use since the late 16th century to describe something or someone of foolish or unintelligent nature.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Acting asinine"

Explanation:

Refers to someone behaving in a silly or foolish manner.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing the word "asinine" with "assinine"

Explanation:

The correct spelling of the word is "asinine," derived from the Latin word for "ass," not "assinine."

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