asinine

IPA/ˈæsɪnaɪn/
KK[ˈæsənˌaɪn]IPA/ˈæsɪnaɪn/

asinine — adjective

  • asininepositive
  • more asininecomparative
  • most asininesuperlative

1. showing a complete lack of good judgment or common sense, to a degree that seems

1.adjectiveC2
Definition

showing a complete lack of good judgment or common sense, to a degree that seems almost unbelievable

Example

Rachid shook his head at the asinine suggestion from the new manager.

asinine + suggestion

Linh refused to take part in such an asinine argument about nothing.

asinine + argument

Common collocations
  • asinine remark
  • asinine suggestion
  • asinine idea
  • asinine comment
  • asinine argument
  • asinine question
  • asinine policy
  • asinine decision
Synonyms
  • foolish

    less intense; suggests poor judgment without contempt

  • idiotic

    similar intensity but more informal and can sound juvenile

  • absurd

    focuses on irrational or illogical quality rather than stupidity

  • ludicrous

    emphasises the laughable, ridiculous quality

Antonyms
  • sensible

    showing good judgment and practical wisdom

  • intelligent

    showing mental ability and clear thinking

  • wise

    showing deep understanding and sound judgment

Usage Note

A strong, insulting word; use with care. Typically describes ideas, remarks, or actions, not people directly.

Common Mistakes

He is asinine.
His comment was asinine.
'asinine' typically describes things (remarks, ideas, actions), not people directly.

Word family

  • asininely
    adverbC2
  • asininity
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Asinine describes something so stupid it provokes disbelief or contempt. It is stronger than 'foolish', which suggests poor judgment without the same sting. 'Idiotic' is similarly intense but more informal and can sound juvenile. 'Absurd' focuses on the irrational or illogical nature of something rather than its stupidity — an absurd rule may be clever but nonsensical. 'Ludicrous' emphasises the laughable, ridiculous quality of an idea or action. Where 'asinine' feels sharp and dismissive (an asinine remark makes you roll your eyes), 'ludicrous' feels more amused (a ludicrous outfit makes you laugh).

foolish ↗idiotic ↗absurd ↗ludicrous ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Etymology

LatinEnglish

From Latin 'asinus' meaning donkey — an animal long stereotyped as stubborn and unintelligent. The word entered English in the 16th century, originally meaning 'donkey-like' before shifting to its modern sense of 'extremely foolish.'

First known use

15th century

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1