Daft – Definition, Meaning, Synonyms & Antonyms

Daft - Definition, Meaning, Synonyms & Antonyms

Daft meaning refers to silly, foolish, or lacking common sense. It is used to describe irrational or imprudent behavior or ideas.

History of the Word Daft

Historical Roots

The term daft has a long history in the English language, dating back to Old English as “gedæfte,” meaning gentle or mild. Over time, its meaning evolved to describe someone as mentally deficient or lacking sound judgment.

Evolution

In Middle English, daft took on the sense of being meek or shy. By the late Middle English period, it had transformed into its current meaning of foolish or lacking good sense.

Common Usage

Today, “daft” is used informally to describe someone who is acting foolishly or displaying a lack of common sense. It can also refer to absurd or irrational ideas, actions, or decisions.

English (Daft As Adjective)

Etymology

Daft originated from the Old English “gedæfte,” meaning gentle, and evolved to describe foolish behavior.

Pronunciation

Pronounced: /daft/ (DAFFT).

Forms of Daft

Part of Speech Form
Adjective Daft
Comparative Dafter
Superlative Daftest
Adverb Daftly
Noun Daftness

Derived Terms

  • Daftness
  • Daftly
  • Daftitude

Translations

  • Spanish: Tonto
  • French: Sot
  • German: Dumm
  • Italian: Sciocco
  • Portuguese: Bobo
  • Chinese (Simplified): 傻 (Shǎ)
  • Japanese: ばかげた (Bakagetā)
  • Daft meaning in Hindi: मूर्ख (Mūrkha)
  • Urdu: بے وقوف (Be Waquf)
  • Russian: Глупый (Glupyy)

Synonyms

  • Silly
  • Foolish
  • Imprudent
  • Irrational
  • Absurd

Antonyms

  • Sensible
  • Rational
  • Prudent
  • Wise
  • Sound

Examples Sentence

  • His daft decisions often led to unexpected consequences.
  • Don’t listen to those daft conspiracy theories; they’re baseless.
  • She has a daft sense of humor that keeps us all laughing.

FAQs (People May Also Ask)

What does daft mean in modern English?

Daft describes someone or something as silly, foolish, or lacking common sense. It’s used to refer to irrational or imprudent behavior or ideas.

Is daft a derogatory term?

Daft is generally considered informal and not necessarily derogatory, but it does imply a lack of good judgment or rational thinking.

Can daft describe both people and things?

While primarily used to describe people, daft can also be extended to describe absurd or irrational ideas, actions, or decisions.

Are there comparative and superlative forms of “daft”?

The comparative and superlative forms of “daft” are the same, as it’s considered an absolute adjective.

What’s the difference between daft and foolish?

Daft and foolish are synonyms, both indicating a lack of good judgment or sense. Daft is more informal and may imply a touch of silliness.

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