Meaning of "madness" in English

"Madness" refers to a state of mental disorder characterized by an inability to perceive or interact with reality in a coherent manner. It often involves erratic behaviors, delusional beliefs, or a departure from what is commonly accepted as rational behavior. In a broader sense, "madness" can also refer to extremely foolish behavior or ideas, highlighting a lack of wisdom or sensibility. Used metaphorically, it can describe chaotic or unpredictable situations. The term is often associated with a lack of control over actions or thoughts.

Meaning of "folie" in French

"Folie" in French signifies a condition of mental instability or irrationality, reminiscent of what "madness" connotes in English. It can refer to clinical psychiatric conditions or a spontaneous, irrational fervor. Beyond the clinical, "folie" is used metaphorically in French to describe actions driven by passion or extreme enthusiasm, synonymous with daring or unconventional behavior. The term embraces both the notion of disorder and an adventurous spirit, marking it as a multifaceted word within the French language.

Pronunciation of "madness" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈmæd.nəs/

Pronunciation Variations: In the American accent, the first vowel often sounds like "a" as in "cat." In British English, the "a" may be more rounded but remains similar. Generally, the pronunciation remains consistent across English-speaking regions with minor variations.

Pronunciation of "folie" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /fɔ.li/

Pronunciation Variations: "Folie" is pronounced with a soft “f” and rounded “o” across most French-speaking areas, with little variation. The second syllable "lie" typically ends in a close vowel sound. Regional accents may subtly alter the intonation.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The chaos in the city was sheer madness. (Le chaos dans la ville était de la pure folie.)
  2. He spoke of his plans with a touch of madness in his eyes. (Il parlait de ses projets avec une touche de folie dans les yeux.)
  3. The festival was a celebration of music, laughter, and madness. (Le festival était une célébration de musique, de rires et de folie.)
  4. Sometimes, a little madness is needed for creativity to flourish. (Parfois, un peu de folie est nécessaire pour que la créativité prospère.)
  5. The decision to travel in such conditions seemed like madness. (La décision de voyager dans de telles conditions semblait être de la folie.)
  6. Her idea was laughed off as madness initially. (Son idée a d'abord été rejetée comme de la folie.)
  7. The artist's work was a brilliant descent into madness. (Le travail de l'artiste était une brillante descente dans la folie.)
  8. There’s a fine line between genius and madness. (Il y a une fine ligne entre le génie et la folie.)
  9. The sudden outburst of rage was considered a sign of madness. (L'éclat soudain de rage était considéré comme un signe de folie.)
  10. The project's complexity drove the team to madness. (La complexité du projet a poussé l'équipe à la folie.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "madness" in English

Synonyms: insanity, lunacy, mania, delirium, frenzy, hysteria, derangement, aberration, craziness, irrationality.

Antonyms: sanity, reason, logic, calmness, stability, rationality, lucidity, soundness, balance, order.

Similar Words: chaos, turmoil, disorder, upheaval, pandemonium, confusion, commotion, bedlam, tumult, anarchy.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "folie" in French

Synonyms: démence, aliénation, délire, hystérie, aberration, égarement, insanité, aberration, extravagance, manie.

Antonyms: raison, lucidité, calme, clarté, stabilité, rationalité, bon sens, équilibre, sage, sobriété.

Similar Words: chaos, désordre, tumulte, confusion, perturbation, agitation, bouleversement, anarchie, caprice, extravagance.

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