Folly

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Folly

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

FOL-ee  /ˈfɒli/

Definition

A lack of good sense; foolishness; a foolish action or idea. Also: an ornamental building constructed for decorative purposes without practical function, typically in the grounds of a country estate.

Plain meaning

Folly means foolishness — lack of good sense. It also names the whimsical ornamental buildings — fake ruins, towers, hermitages — built in the grounds of English country estates.

Register

Neutral in the foolishness sense. The architectural sense is specific and slightly charming. Both are standard.