Vocabulary Spotlight
Daft
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Silly, foolish, or lacking common sense.
“He looked daft wearing a heavy coat in the middle of summer.”
Pronunciation
[daft]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Absurd
Silly
Idiotic
Ridiculous
Antonyms
Practical
Smart
Wise
Logical
Related Words
Daftness (noun)
Word Origin
“Daft” originated from Middle English, deriving from Old English “gedæfte,” which meant gentle or becoming. Over time, its meaning shifted to imply foolishness or silliness, with its current meaning taking root in the 16th century.
Word Family
Noun: Daftness – The quality of being silly or foolish.
Adverb: Daftly – In a silly or foolish manner.
Adjective: Daft – Silly, foolish, or lacking common sense.
Mnemonics
Think “Daft” as in “Draft without direction” – a silly or foolish way to proceed, lacking purpose or common sense.
Industry-specific Usage
Entertainment
In entertainment, a “daft character” often brings humor through exaggerated silliness or foolish behavior, adding comedic relief.
Business
A daft decision in business refers to a choice that lacks logic or foresight, potentially leading to financial losses or setbacks.
Sports
In sports commentary, a “daft move” might describe a poorly considered action that results in a disadvantage for the player or team.
In Context
In everyday life, describing something as “daft” conveys that it lacks common sense, often in a lighthearted or humorous way. A daft idea might seem impractical, yet harmless. In the workplace, calling an idea “daft” is often done playfully, as the term is less severe than “stupid” and often invites laughter or a second look at less serious suggestions. “Daft” reminds us that not all silliness is negative and can often foster creativity or entertain others.