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."