fatuous
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “fatuous” mean?
adjective.silly and pointless.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing themes of folly, ignorance, or misguided confidence, emphasizing actions or beliefs that lack thoughtful consideration. It suggests a deeper level of absurdity than simply being silly, often highlighting a disconnect from reality or logic, which distinguishes it from less severe terms like "foolish."
Common Confusions
Fatuous implies a deeper level of absurdity and disconnect from reality, while foolish usually suggests a lack of wisdom or sense that may not be as extreme or misguided.
Do not choose fatuous if the context emphasizes intelligence or seriousness rather than being silly and pointless.
Example Sentences
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His fatuous response to a serious question embarrassed the panel.