The noun for fool is “fool” itself. It refers to a person who behaves in a silly, unwise, or irrational manner. However, there are other synonyms or related nouns that can be used depending on the context:
- Simpleton: A person who is perceived as lacking intelligence or common sense.
- Dunce: A person who is slow to learn or is perceived as not very intelligent, often used in educational contexts.
- Idiot: An offensive term used to describe someone who is very foolish or mentally deficient.
- Clown: A person who behaves in a foolish, silly, or entertaining way, often to amuse others.
- Jester: Historically, a person employed to entertain others with jokes and pranks, often seen as a fool in royal courts.
- Buffoon: A person who acts in a ridiculous, silly, or absurd way to amuse others.
- Nincompoop: A light-hearted or somewhat old-fashioned term for a foolish person.
- Ass: Informally used to describe a person who is behaving in a foolish or stubborn way.
While these words can be used synonymously with “fool,” the term “fool” itself is the most straightforward noun for someone acting foolishly.