Stupid

'stjuːpɪd

adjectiveBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Lacking intelligence or common sense; foolish.

'stjuːpɪd

adjectivenegativeBeginner
General

Lacking intelligence or common sense.

That was a stupid thing to do.

💡 Simply: Imagine you try to put your socks on your hands—that's a bit stupid! It means you're not thinking clearly or doing something that doesn't make sense.

👶 For kids: When someone does something silly or not smart, we can say it's stupid.

More Examples

2

Don't be stupid and run into the street.

3

She felt stupid for not understanding the instructions.

How It's Used

General Conversation

"He made a stupid mistake by leaving his keys in the car."

Education

"The student's answer was considered stupid by the teacher."

2

Used to express annoyance or frustration.

'stjuːpɪd

adjectivenegativeBeginner
Arts

Annoying or tiresome.

I hate this stupid rain!

💡 Simply: Sometimes, when something bothers you, you might call it stupid. Like, 'This stupid song is stuck in my head!'

👶 For kids: Something you don't like or that bothers you, like a toy that keeps breaking.

More Examples

2

This stupid computer keeps crashing.

3

I'm tired of these stupid rules.

How It's Used

Informal speech

"This stupid traffic is making me late!"

Tip:Something that is 'stupid' can also irritate us, like a problem that won't go away.

Idioms & expressions

play stupid

To pretend to be ignorant or unaware.

"He played stupid when asked about the missing money, even though he knew about it."

make a stupid mistake

To do something wrong or make an error due to lack of thinking.

"I made a stupid mistake and forgot to lock the door."

From Latin *stupidus* meaning 'stunned, dazed'. It evolved to describe a lack of intelligence or common sense.

Used since the 16th century with an evolving meaning. Initially referring to being stunned or dazed, then to lack of intelligence.

Memory tip

Think of a 'stupid' action as one that 'stuns' your ability to think clearly.

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Usage

75%Spoken
25%Written