German Conversation · Level 169
30 words
German word
leichtfertig
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈlaɪ̯çtˌfɛɐ̯tɪç/
Meaning
- adjectiverash
Example
Das war eine leichtfertige Entscheidung.
That was a rash decision.
More examples
Er hat in der Diskussion leichtfertig gehandelt.
He acted rashly in the discussion.
Core concept
A hand acts quickly while the mind skips the step of checking what may happen next.
Common phrases
leichtfertig handeln
act rashly
eine leichtfertige Entscheidung
a rash decision
Similar words
leichtsinnig: Taking risks recklessly by treating danger and possible results too lightly.
unvorsichtig: Lacking caution in ways that can easily cause accidents or other trouble.
gedankenlos: Acting or speaking without giving the matter enough thought.
Definition in German
Ohne genügende Überlegung oder Vorsicht handelnd; Entscheidungen oder Zusagen ohne Rücksicht auf die Folgen treffend.
Word origin
The adjective is an old German compound of leicht and fertig, originally describing something easy to accomplish and later describing conduct carried out too readily and without proper thought.
Usage tips
- Leichtfertig describes irresponsible conduct as well as decisions and promises, so it is stronger than a simple description of accidental carelessness.
Other meanings
- carelessadjective
- thoughtlessadjective
Opposites
- vorsichtigcautiousadjective
- überlegtconsideredadjective
Related words
- Leichtfertigkeitrashnessnoun