Fool/fuːl/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Negative connotation Using 'fool' to describe someone can be insulting and lead to offense. Calling her a fool in the meeting was disrespectful. Pro Tip 2/3Verb usage 'Fool' as a noun is different from 'fool' as a verb, which means to deceive. She plays the fool, but she's actually very smart. Pro Tip 3/3Literary usage In literature, a fool can be a character who provides comic relief or wisdom. Shakespeare's fools often speak the truth dressed in humor.