Definition

asinine means to be extremely stupid or foolish.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

adjective.

Synonyms

foolish, stupid, idiotic, senseless, ridiculous, absurd, ludicrous, inane.

Antonyms

intelligent, wise, clever, astute, smart, prudent, sane, sensible.

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun asininities, asininity
Verb None
Adjective asinine
Adverb None

Example Sentences

  • It’s asinine to spend all your life savings on a gamble that has low chances of success.

  • Your asinine request for a raise after only three weeks of work is ridiculous.

  • My boss made an asinine decision to book a flight that arrives at midnight and expects us to be at work on time the next day.

  • That politician’s asinine comment led to mass protests and widespread condemnation.

Usage

The word “asinine” is an adjective that refers to something that is extremely foolish or stupid. It comes from the Latin word “asinus,” which means “ass” or “donkey.” The word is often used to describe something that is not just foolish, but also stubbornly or persistently foolish, making it a common choice for people looking for a strong word to express their frustration or anger.

Because of its negative connotation, the word is often used in a derogatory or insulting way. It is not considered a polite word and should be avoided in situations where you want to be respectful or professional. For example, it would be inappropriate to use this word when talking to your boss or a client.

The word “asinine” can be modified with various prefixes and suffixes to create new words or to modify its meaning. For example, the prefix “un-” can be added to “asinine” to create “unasinine,” which means the opposite of “asinine.” Similarly, the suffix “-ity” can be added to create “asininity,” which means extreme foolishness or stupidity.

In conclusion, the word “asinine” is a strong word that should be used with caution. It is an adjective that describes something or someone as extremely foolish or stupid, and it has a negative connotation that should be considered when using it. The word can be modified with various prefixes and suffixes to create new words or to modify its meaning.