• Today's Word

Fatuous

🔊 Listen to the word Fatuous

FATCH-oo-us

Definition

(adjective) Silly, foolish, or pointless — especially in a complacent or smug way.

Example

His fatuous remarks during the meeting only made the situation more awkward.

Word Origin

From Latin fatuus, meaning “foolish” or “simple-minded.”

Fun Fact

Unlike plain foolishness, fatuous behavior carries an air of unaware self-satisfaction. Think of someone making bold, confident claims that are wildly misguided. Philosophers like Nietzsche used the term to critique shallow thinking disguised as wisdom. In modern usage, it often describes comments, arguments, or decisions that are foolish precisely because the person delivering them believes they are clever.