stultus
[ˈstʊɫ.tʊs]
The English phrase 'stupid' is translated into Latin as stultus. Wiktionary also lists blennus and stupidus.
Meaning: lacking in intelligence (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| stultus | [ˈstʊɫ.tʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈstul.tus] (narrow) |
| blennus | |
| stupidus | [ˈstʊ.pɪ.dʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈstuː.pi.dus] (narrow) |
| stolidus | [ˈstɔ.lɪ.dʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈstɔː.li.dus] (narrow) |
These terms are used to describe a lack of intelligence.
Which one should you use?
While stultus is the most common term for a foolish or silly person, stupidus implies a state of being stunned or dazed. stolidus describes someone who is slow-witted or dull-witted rather than someone who is actively foolish.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective stultus must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so the feminine singular form is stulta . The masculine plural form is stulti , and stultos is used when it is the object.
Did you know?
- While stultus means foolish, the word blennus is a much more insulting way to call someone stupid, as it literally translates to 'drivelling' or 'mucus-filled'.
- Roman satire often used the word stultus not just as an insult, but as a literary archetype for the 'fool' who reveals truths to others.
Examples in context
- Quam stultus est ille?How stupid is the guy?This sentence is useful for questioning how foolish a person is using stultus.Tatoeba #11836844 by soridsolid, translation #9928367 by Nylez
- Esne surdus aut stultus?Are you deaf or stupid?This sentence shows how to use stultus in a choice between being deaf or stupid.Tatoeba #7239729 by CarpeLanam, translation #2968640 by Hybrid
- Didymus valde stultus est.Tom is very stupid.This sentence demonstrates how to describe someone as being very stupid with stultus.Tatoeba #5031772 by alexmarcelo, translation #3221328 by CK
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Claudia are discussing a poor decision.
- QuintusHoc consilium stultum est.This plan is stupid.
- ClaudiaIta, non est sapiens.Yes, it is not wise.
- QuintusCur stulta es, Claudia?Why are you stupid, Claudia?
- ClaudiaNon sum stulta, sed fessa!I am not stupid, but tired!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stupid” translations and entries stultus, blennus, stupidus, stolidus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blennus, stolidus, stultus, stupidus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
