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bêtise

silly thing

noun beh-TEEZ Less Common
Mind & Emotions Personality

Also means

stupidity

Usage Note

Bêtise can mean a foolish act, a silly remark, or nonsense in general — dire des bêtises ('to talk rubbish') and faire des bêtises ('to do silly things', especially of children misbehaving) are set phrases. The adjective bête ('stupid, dumb') is the root. C'est une bêtise is a gentle, informal way to call something absurd.

Examples

"Ne dis pas de bêtises, c'est impossible."

Natural Translation

Don't talk nonsense, it's impossible.

Literal Translation

Not say of nonsenses, it-is impossible.

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