Pronunciation: [hˈe͡əbɹe͡ɪnd] (IPA) 
The word "harebrained" is spelled with an "e" in the middle, but it is not pronounced as a separate syllable. Instead, the "e" is silent and the word is pronounced /ˈherˌbreɪnd/. This word is used to describe someone or something that is foolish or reckless. It is often spelled incorrectly as "hairbrained" due to the similarity in sound between "hare" and "hair". However, the correct spelling should always include the "e".
Harebrained is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is foolish, impractical, or lacking rationality. This term is typically employed to denote ideas, plans, or actions that appear to be ill-conceived or lacking sufficient thought or reason.
When characterizing a harebrained idea or scheme, it suggests a lack of logical or sensible thinking. Such ideas are often seen as impractical, unrealistic, or destined for failure due to their hasty or impulsive nature. Similarly, a harebrained person may exhibit behavior that is impulsive, impetuous, or lacks sound judgment.
The term "harebrained" is derived from the phrase "hare-brained" which originated in the 18th century. This term draws upon the metaphor of a hare's physical characteristics, particularly its quick and erratic movements, to depict a person or idea as lacking reliability, stability, or focus. The word "hare" also evokes the image of a rabbit-like creature associated with fickle or irrational behavior.
Therefore, the term harebrained is commonly used in conversations, discussions, or critiques to express disapproval or skepticism towards ideas, plans, or actions that lack rationality, coherence, or sound reasoning. It is a descriptive term employed when emphasizing the foolishness, recklessness, or impracticality of a particular concept or individual.
Giddy; heedless.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "harebrained" originates from the 16th century and is derived from the Middle English word "haer" or "hare", meaning a rabbit-like animal, and "brained", which refers to the brain or intelligence. The term originally described a person whose brain was thought to be as small or flighty as that of a hare. Over time, it evolved to describe someone who is impulsive, rash, or lacking in common sense.
