bêtise

noun

bê·tise bā-ˈtēz

plural bêtises bā-ˈtēz

1

: an act of foolishness or stupidity

2

: lack of good sense : stupidity

Example Sentences

writing a sequel to a Jane Austen novel must be regarded as a literary bêtise of the highest order

Word History

Etymology

French, from bête idiot, fool, literally, beast

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of bêtise was in 1798

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bêtise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/b%C3%AAtise. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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