Antonyms for ass
| Grammar : Noun |
| Spell : as |
| Phonetic Transcription : æs |
Definition of ass
Origin :- beast of burden, Old English assa (Old Northumbrian assal, assald) "he-ass," probably from Old Celtic *as(s)in "donkey," which (with German esel, Gothic asilus, Lithuanian asilas, Old Church Slavonic osl) ultimately is from Latin asinus, which is probably of Middle Eastern origin (cf. Sumerian ansu).
- For al schal deie and al schal passe, Als wel a Leoun as an asse. [John Gower, "Confessio Amantis," 1393]
- Since ancient Greek times, in fables and parables, the animal typified clumsiness and stupidity (hence asshead, late 15c., etc.). To make an ass of oneself is from 1580s. Asses' Bridge (c.1780), from Latin Pons Asinorum, is fifth proposition of first book of Euclid's "Elements." In Middle English, someone uncomprehending or unappreciative would be lik an asse that listeth on a harpe. In 15c., an ass man was a donkey driver.
- noun stupid person
- If a chap's not born with the gift he's an ass to think he can acquire it.
- Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
- And for heaven's sake, don't make an ass of yourself this time!
- Extract from : « The Foolish Lovers » by St. John G. Ervine
- Say,—Ass, how could you do it; Beast, what did you mean by it!
- Extract from : « Little Dorrit » by Charles Dickens
- But the German ass wore the blinders that science had made--and saw no angel.
- Extract from : « City of Endless Night » by Milo Hastings
- You are not to pass On these high questions; plainly, you're an ass.
- Extract from : « Punchinello, Vol. 1, Issue 10, Saturday, June 4, 1870 » by Various
- And there stood an ass, waiting for him, on which he mounted.
- Extract from : « The Chinese Fairy Book » by Various
- Always knew the ass would make a silly marriage if he could.
- Extract from : « Ruggles of Red Gap » by Harry Leon Wilson
- "Say rather an ass, shaved and painted to resemble a zebra," muttered John.
- Extract from : « Homeward Bound » by James Fenimore Cooper
- I tell you this is a printed list, A burning candle and an ass.
- Extract from : « War is Kind » by Stephen Crane
- You're supposed to have an awful lot of tact if you're an ambassador, and I'm rather an ass at tact!
- Extract from : « Changing Winds » by St. John G. Ervine
Synonyms for ass
Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019