How Do You Spell SILLINESS?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪlinəs] (IPA)

The word "silliness", pronounced /ˈsɪl.i.nɪs/, is spelled with a double "l" in the middle because of the short "i" sound. When a short vowel sound comes before the letters "l" or "t", we generally double that letter to mark the short sound. The final "ess" at the end of the word is spelled with two "s"s to indicate the unvoiced "s" sound, which is often used at the end of words to show plurality or possession. "Silliness" means foolish or trivial behavior.

SILLINESS Meaning and Definition

1. Silliness is a noun that refers to a state or quality of being foolish, trivial, or lacking in seriousness. It is the tendency to engage in light-hearted or frivolous behavior, often characterized by a lack of common sense or rational thinking. Typically, silliness involves acting in a playful or amusing manner, often resulting in laughter or amusement from oneself or others.

   A person exhibiting silliness may engage in activities that are considered nonsensical or whimsical, without regard for social norms or conventions. This can include engaging in child-like behavior such as silly or exaggerated gestures, making funny faces, or speaking in a comical manner. Silliness is often associated with a carefree and lighthearted attitude, allowing individuals to temporarily escape from the seriousness and responsibilities of everyday life.

   While silliness is generally seen as harmless and entertaining, it is important to note that there may be situations in which it may be perceived as inappropriate or disruptive. Excessive silliness in serious or formal settings, for instance, might be seen as disrespectful or immature.

   Overall, silliness serves as a way for individuals to momentarily let go of their inhibitions, embrace spontaneity, and bring joy through playfulness and humor. It adds a sense of levity and cheerfulness to life, fostering connections and creating moments of shared laughter with others.

2. Weakness of understanding; want of sound sense or judgment.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SILLINESS *

• sillyness 89.090909%
• siliness 3.6363636%
• sillieness 3.6363636%
• silyness 3.6363636%

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for SILLINESS

• sizziness
• selfiness
• villianess
• sulleness
• girliness
• williness
• villaness
• sidlines
• illiness
• illlness
• siblines
• willness
• sillness
• illines
• oilliness
• sillkiness
• silciness
• soilliness
• sillines
• villiness
• villeiness
• sellfness
• siteliness
• sizxiness
• sizjiness
• siiziness
• swillingss
• sillanes
• spillingss
• spillines
• tillingss
• willineds
• Wulliness
• skilelsness
• Sullaness
• tikliness
• sillkeness
• villinuss
• sillynes
• sillnees
• siliess
• Sizeiness

Etymology of SILLINESS

The word "silliness" derives from the noun "silly", which can be traced back to the Old English word "sǣlig" (Anglo-Saxon), meaning "blessed" or "innocent". Over time, the meaning of "silly" shifted to refer to something foolish or lacking good sense. Eventually, the adjective "silly" gave rise to the noun "silliness", which refers to the state or quality of being silly or foolish.

Similar spelling words for SILLINESS

• silencer,
• silenus,
• silence,
• sullins,
• silenced.

Plural form of SILLINESS is SILLINESSES