Translation
silly, foolish, stupid
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Word origin
The origin is debated. It is widely regarded as an expressive or nursery-language formation rather than a clear Latin descendant.
- Origin
- Vulgar Latin
Other proposed origins
- Most often explained as an expressive reduplicative word of the kind common in child language for 'silly, foolish'. (expressive ton-ton)
- Some link it to Latin attonitus ('thunderstruck, stunned'), from attonare. (attonitus)
Grammar
Examples
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Do not be silly and think before you speak.
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What a silly question from someone so intelligent.
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He felt very foolish after making that obvious mistake.
, .
Out of foolishness, he lost the chance of a lifetime.
.
It is a silly quarrel between two good friends.
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
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Spanish · Free printables
tonto: worksheet, infographic and listicleThe padlock and Plus mark show a Kilo Lingo Plus feature. Start your free week to unlock it - no card needed.
Free printable study downloads for the Spanish word "tonto" (silly, foolish, stupid): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 7, lesson 10: tonto, rey, libre and 7 more words.