bêtise

[ be-teez ]

noun

1. lack of understanding, perception, or the like; stupidity.
2. a stupid or foolish act or remark.
3. something inconsequential or without merit; absurdity; trifle.

bêtise

/ bɛˈtiːz /

noun

1. rare.
   folly or lack of perception

Word History and Origins

Origin of bêtise¹

1820–30; < French: literally, foolishness, equivalent to bête foolish ( beast ) + -ise -ice

Word History and Origins

Origin of bêtise¹

French, from bête foolish, from bête (n) stupid person, beast

Example Sentences

Exasperated, she added, “Ça, c’est bêtise.”

From New York Times

The persistent theme of his books is humankind’s unending stupidity—l’éternelle bêtise de l’humanité.

From The New Yorker

The persistent theme of his books is humankind’s unending stupidity—l’éternelle bêtise de l’humanité.

From The New Yorker

In pursuit of his quest, he delivers a magnificent riff on the bêtise.

From The Guardian

The Wise Men, though committing, as Waugh put it, “every kind of bêtise,” arrive in the end and find their silly gifts accepted.

From Slate