follies
|fol-lies|
🇺🇸
/ˈfɑːliz/
🇬🇧
/ˈfɒlɪz/
(folly)
foolishness
Etymology
'folly' (and thus 'follies') originates from Old French 'folie' meaning 'madness, folly', ultimately from Latin 'follis' meaning 'bellows' or 'bag' (used metaphorically for something empty or inflated).
'follis' (Latin) gave rise to Old French 'folie', which entered Middle English as 'folye' or 'folly' and developed into the modern English 'folly' and its plural 'follies'.
Initially associated with 'a bellows' or 'an empty inflated thing' (Latin), it shifted via Old French to mean 'madness' or 'insanity' and later narrowed/shifted to the modern senses of 'foolishness', ornamental structures, and theatrical revues.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'folly': lack of good sense or judgment; foolish behavior or actions.
Her financial follies left the company struggling to survive.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
ornamental or eccentric buildings constructed mainly for decoration (often in gardens or estates).
The park is dotted with romantic follies built in the 18th century.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a theatrical revue or extravagant stage show (used especially in titles, e.g. 'Ziegfeld Follies').
She made her name performing in the Ziegfeld Follies.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/10 18:12