B2adverbpsychology
US/ˈfuː.lɪʃ.li/
UK/ˈfuː.lɪʃ.li/
in a silly way that shows bad judgment
In context
I foolishly left my wallet on the table when I went out.
He foolishly believed that the promise would be kept.
They foolishly ignored the warnings and went swimming in the storm.
Words that go with foolishly
adverb + verb
- foolishly believeShe foolishly believed every word he said.
- foolishly assumeWe foolishly assumed the road would be open.
- foolishly ignoreHe foolishly ignored his doctor.
verb + adverb
- act foolishlyI acted foolishly and I regret it.
- behave foolishlyTeenagers sometimes behave foolishly.
adverb + adjective
- foolishly optimisticIt would be foolishly optimistic to expect a quick recovery.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He foolish believed the stranger.Correct: He foolishly believed the stranger.