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Foolhardy vs Headlong - What's the difference?

foolhardy | headlong | Synonyms |

Foolhardy is a synonym of headlong.


As adjectives the difference between foolhardy and headlong

is that foolhardy is marked by unthinking recklessness with disregard for danger; bold but rash; hotheaded while headlong is precipitous.

As an adverb headlong is

with the head first or down.

As a verb headlong is

to precipitate.

foolhardy

English

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • Marked by unthinking recklessness with disregard for danger; bold but rash; hotheaded
  • * {{quote-book
    • , year=1876 , author=Mark Twain , title=The Adventures of Tom Sawyer , chapter=6 citation , passage=The master’s pulse stood still, and he stared helplessly. The buzz of study ceased. The pupils wondered if this foolhardy boy had lost his mind.}}
  • * 2000 . Bill Bryson, In a Sunburned Country , p. 14:
    • In the middle distance several foolhardy souls in wet suits were surfing toward some foamy outbursts on the rocky headland...

    Synonyms

    * bold * foolish * rash * daring * reckless

    Derived terms

    * foolhardiness

    headlong

    English

    Adverb

    (-)
  • With the head first or down.
  • With an unrestrained forward motion.
    • Figures out today show the economy plunging headlong into recession.
  • Rashly; precipitately; without deliberation.

    • Antonyms

    * (l) (UK dialect)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Precipitous.
  • Plunging downwards head foremost.
  • Rushing forward without restraint.
  • (figuratively) Reckless, impetuous.
  • * 1869 , RD Blackmoore, Lorna Doone , II:
    • “Time is up,” cried another boy, more headlong than head-monitor.

    Derived terms

    * headlongness * headlongs

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To precipitate.
  • * 1862 , Thomas Adams, The works of Thomas Adams :
    • If a stranger be setting his pace and face toward some deep pit, or steep rock — such a precipice as the cliffs of Dover — how do we cry aloud to have him return ? yet in mean time forget the course of our own sinful ignorance, that headlongs us to confusion.
  • * 1905 , Liberty Hyde Bailey, The outlook to nature :
    • Carriages went up and down in endless pageant. Trolley-cars rushed by, clanging and grinding as they headlonged into the side streets.