mad
234
3.3
- adjective
- /mæd/
- Informal
:
descabellado
- The project was a mad venture that ended up costing more than anyone expected.
That was such a mad assumption, by the way.
- That was such a mad assumption, by the way.
Examples
-
Until all those sweet, mad ideas built up enough to set him off again.
Fiction book (1991) -
More recently, scientists in film have become less mad but no less dangerous.
Academic text (1995) -
I must be mad to even consider this.
-
And before long you find that you are throwing mad money after good.
-
I went on this mad "I want a baby" quest.
-
And tell me about some of the mad countries you've been to and why.
-
Some of the townspeople panic and scapegoat the mad real estate agent.
Academic text (1993) -
I know it’s mad to even think about it... but if anyone could make a go of it... it’d be you.
-
I think you're mad.
-
He had a mad idea that we could solve the world's problems overnight.
Synonyms
184
4.1
Very foolish and risky because of bad judgment
55
7.2
Being a little crazy in a funny or strange way
10
8.5
An idea or plan that is very foolish and not well thought out
Very silly or clearly crazy
Antonyms
Idioms
To stop being angry and be happy again without changing anything
Compounds
- Specialized
18
3.8
A deadly disease of cows that damages the brain and can make people sick if they eat the meat
- Archaic
A North American herb of the mint family once used to treat seizures and nervous problems
- Archaic
An American mint plant that makes a sticky substance once used to ease muscle spasms
How Foolish
Surface Forms
Etymology
Mad for a 'foolish' idea comes from its older sense 'not in the mind' or 'crazy'. A 'mad' plan is one that seems 'not sensible' or too wild, which is why it means 'very foolish'.