asinine
|as-i-nine|
/ˈæsɪnaɪn/
foolish like a donkey
Etymology
'asinine' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'asinīnus', where 'asinus' meant 'donkey'.
'asinine' comes from Latin 'asinīnus' (from 'asinus' 'donkey') and entered English use via Late Latin/vernacular forms, becoming the modern English word 'asinine'.
Initially it meant 'pertaining to or resembling a donkey', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'extremely foolish or stupid'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
extremely stupid or foolish.
That was an asinine thing to say.
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Antonyms
Adjective 2
marked by a lack of good judgment; senseless or absurd.
He made an asinine comment that offended everyone.
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Adjective 3
(rare, literal) Relating to or resembling a donkey.
In some older writings, asinine was used to describe donkey-like stubbornness.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/29 13:52