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

See Examples For:

bêtise

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

He remembered again that the flippant young Frenchman had said, "Un ancien curé, qui a fait quelque bêtise."

From The Wild Olive by Basil King

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 Elinor Glyn

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 James Branch Cabell

The King was not angry, but he was troubled that a remarkable man, who had been his friend and teacher, should commit such a bêtise.

From Historical Miniatures by August Strindberg