bêtise

American  

[be-teez] / bɛˈtiz /

noun

1. lack of understanding, perception, or the like; stupidity.

2. a stupid or foolish act or remark.

3. something inconsequential or without merit; absurdity; trifle.

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bêtise British  

/ bɛˈtiːz /

noun

1. rare folly or lack of perception

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Etymology

Origin of bêtise

1820–30; < French: literally, foolishness, equivalent to bête foolish ( see beast) + -ise -ice

Example Sentences

They know that the battle is decided by fate, personified in what they like to call la bêtise humaine – the sheer stupidity of other people.

From The Guardian • Jul. 20, 2012

But like most children, he patiently accepted the fact that grown people are unaccountable overlords appointed by some vast bêtise, whom, if only through prudential motives, it is preferable to humor.

From The Rivet in Grandfather's Neck A Comedy of Limitations by Cabell, James Branch

"It was a bêtise, a slip of the pen; I admit you are right," and indifferently I opened Coralie's effusion, smiling over it.

From Man and Maid by Glyn, Elinor

Hephzibah says he is good-natured, so perhaps that is why he made a bêtise in South America.

From The Reflections of Ambrosine A Novel by Glyn, Elinor

Ford had heard a flippant young Frenchman speak of him as an "ancien curé, qui a fait quelque bêtise"; and indeed there was about him that stamp of the ecclesiastic which is sometimes ineffaceable.

From The Wild Olive by King, Basil