asinine

American  

[as-uh-nahyn] / ˈæs əˌnaɪn /

adjective

1. foolish, unintelligent, or silly; stupid.

   It is surprising that supposedly intelligent people can make such asinine statements.

2. of or like an ass.

   asinine obstinacy;

   asinine features.

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asinine British  

/ ˌæsɪˈnɪnɪtɪ, ˈæsɪˌnaɪn /

adjective

1. obstinate or stupid

2. resembling an ass

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Usage

What are other ways to say asinine? The adjective asinine describes things that are foolish or unintelligent, as in asinine remarks. Do you know when to use asinine, fatuous, silly, inane, stupid, and foolish? Find out on Thesaurus.com. 

Other Word Forms

• asininely adverb
• asininity noun

Etymology

Origin of asinine

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin asinīnus, equivalent to asin(us) ass ¹ + -īnus -ine ¹

Explanation

Anything that's asinine is truly stupid or foolish. Your brother might love a ridiculous reality TV show, while you find it completely asinine. Asinine derives from the Latin asinus, which means "stupid," but also "like an ass or donkey." Asinine behavior isn't simply dumb, but is as obstinate and lacking in judgement as a stubborn donkey. It would be foolish if your friend spray-painted graffiti on the neighbor's garage door, but it would be asinine if he also signed his name.

Example Sentences

I smiled politely; I found the remark asinine; I resolved to work it into conversation as soon as possible.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2024

Because, well, of course the solicitor general is not making such an asinine argument.

From Slate • Oct. 8, 2024

Rogan's asinine podcast is a good example of the form.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2024

It was, as stated recently by Gov. Jay Inslee, “the most asinine thing I’ve ever seen in Washington state political history.”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 16, 2024

It’s out of my mouth before I can stop it, and part of me feels asinine for asking, because it really shouldn’t matter: we’re in his house.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone