DictionaryAI

daft

adjective
USDAFT/dæft/UKDAHFT/dɑːft/

Formsdafter, daftest

3 meanings of daft

Practice

  1. 1
    sillyadjectivecolloquialAustraliaBritishIrelandNew Zealand
    Silly or stupid, and not showing good sense.

    My little brother had the daft idea of washing the cat in the bath.

    You'll look daft wearing a big winter coat on the beach.

    UsagePeople say Don't be daft!

    Similarsilly, dumb, idiotic, dopey, goofy

    Oppositesensible, wise, clever, smart

    Note
  2. 2
    insaneadjectivecolloquialAustraliaBritishIrelandNew Zealand
    Crazy or mad, like someone who has lost their mind.

    After three nights with no sleep, she felt half daft and kept talking to the walls.

    The kids in our street think the old man is daft because he shouts at the moon.

    UsageSay someone went daft.

    Similarcrazy, bonkers, bananas, crackers, batty

    Oppositesane, rational

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 3
    adjectiveobsolete
    Gentle, quiet, and calm, not rough or loud with other people.

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Origin

Daft comes from an Old English word that meant 'gentle' or 'mild'. Later its meaning changed to 'foolish'.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts