stultify - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
stultify Word Meanings
- to cause someone to appear foolish
- to make ineffective or worthless
- to reduce someone's mental capacity
stultify Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
stultify Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈstʌltɪfaɪ/
US
/ˈstʌltəˌfaɪ/
stultify Word Etymology
stultify = stultus (Latin) = foolish + -ify (to make). Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: Picture someone acting foolishly while trying to show off intelligence, making their efforts look absurd and silly.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Stultify is a formal verb meaning to make someone appear foolish, or to render an action, plan, or argument ineffective. In use, it often describes a situation where someone's attempts are undermined or ridiculed, or where a system or policy suppresses initiative and clear thinking. The first sense focuses on embarrassment or appearance, while the second emphasizes practical ineffectiveness or cognitive dampening. In casual speech, you might say the speaker's interruptions stultified the discussion; in academic writing, you might describe a flawed design that stultifies user engagement.
Usage Reminders
- Stultify is transitive and takes a direct object.
- It often implies undermining confidence, credibility, or initiative, not just clumsiness.
- It can describe people, plans, or systems.
- It sounds formal; in casual speech use 'make look foolish' instead.
- Do not confuse with stupefy, which means to stun or dull, not to embarrass.
Common Misconceptions
- It does not mean simply 'to make someone look silly' in every context.
- It is not the same as 'stupid' or 'stupify' in most usages.
- It can refer to plans or systems, not just people.
- It implies a deliberate or systemic dampening, not accidental clumsiness.
- It is more formal and critical than everyday verbs.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, stultify often carries a formal, critical tone. It emphasizes diminishing capacity or credibility rather than mere clumsiness, which can mislead learners into overusing it in casual speech.
Learning Tips
- Recognize it as a transitive verb needing an object
- Practice with both people and things (a plan, a policy) as objects
- Pair with a clear outcome (stultify the argument, stultify initiative)
- Contrast with 'stun' or 'stupefy' to avoid confusion
- Use in formal writing or critique contexts
- Listen for contexts involving embarrassment or suppression
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'stultify'?
A.To confuse
B.To hinder progress
C.To make ineffective
D.To motivate others
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'stultify' correctly?
A.She encouraged her students to do their best and stultify their efforts.
B.The outdated technology has continued to stultify the organization's growth.
C.The new policies helped to stultify the team's productivity.
D.The challenging project stultified the team to work harder.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'stultify'?
A.Enhance
B.Stimulate
C.Impede
D.Revitalize
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'stultify'?
A.Advance
B.Promote
C.Encourage
D.Foster
Step 5: Mastery
How can the concept of 'stultify' be applied in a real-life situation?
A.When students actively engage in learning new concepts.
B.When a motivational speaker inspires a crowd.
C.When a company invests in employee training programs.
D.When outdated laws stifle innovation in a society.
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