Collocations with 'Stupid' Explained

Understanding how words fit together naturally is a key part of mastering the English language. This concept is known as collocation. For the word 'stupid', we need to find an intensifier, an adverb that strengthens its meaning. The question asks us to select the most appropriate option to collocate with the word 'stupid' to fill in the blank: "It was ______ stupid of me to think that I could outwit him."

What are English Collocations?

Collocations are words that frequently go together, forming natural-sounding combinations. For example, we say 'heavy rain' instead of 'strong rain', or 'make a decision' instead of 'do a decision'. Learning common collocations helps make your English sound more natural and fluent. In this question, we are looking for an adverb that commonly collocates with the adjective 'stupid' to intensify its meaning.

Choosing the Right Intensifier for 'Stupid'

Let's examine each option to see which adverb best collocates with 'stupid'. We are looking for an adverb that means 'completely' or 'absolutely' when modifying a negative adjective like 'stupid'.

'Richly' as an Intensifier

• Meaning: In a rich manner; abundantly; luxuriously.
• Common Collocations: 'richly deserved', 'richly decorated', 'richly endowed'.
• Fit with 'stupid': 'Richly stupid' is not a common or natural collocation in English. It sounds awkward and does not convey the intended meaning of complete foolishness.

'Fully' as an Intensifier

• Meaning: Completely; entirely; to the utmost extent.
• Common Collocations: 'fully understand', 'fully aware', 'fully equipped', 'fully booked'.
• Fit with 'stupid': While 'fully' means completely, 'fully stupid' is not a standard collocation. It implies a state of being completely stupid, but it's not the idiomatic choice for intensifying the idea of a stupid action or decision.

'Utterly' as an Intensifier

• Meaning: Completely; absolutely; totally.
• Common Collocations: 'utterly impossible', 'utterly ridiculous', 'utterly devastated', 'utterly useless', and notably, 'utterly stupid'.
• Fit with 'stupid': 'Utterly' is a very strong intensifier often used with adjectives that express extreme qualities, especially negative ones. 'Utterly stupid' is a perfect and very common collocation, meaning completely or absolutely foolish.

'Deeply' as an Intensifier

• Meaning: To a great extent; intensely; profoundly.
• Common Collocations: 'deeply regret', 'deeply moved', 'deeply concerned', 'deeply rooted', 'deeply disturbed'.
• Fit with 'stupid': 'Deeply' is typically used with emotions or abstract concepts that have a profound impact. While one might feel deeply about something, 'deeply stupid' is not a natural collocation to describe an action or a person's intelligence level. It doesn't convey the sense of absolute foolishness as effectively as 'utterly'.

Why 'Utterly' is the Perfect Match

Based on common English usage and the meaning of the adverbs, 'utterly' is the most appropriate word to collocate with 'stupid'. It conveys the idea that the action was completely and absolutely foolish. The sentence "It was utterly stupid of me to think that I could outwit him" perfectly captures the speaker's complete self-reproach for their foolishness. This collocation is widely accepted and used in standard English.

Final Answer: Correct Collocation for 'Stupid'

Considering the common collocations and the nuances of the adverbs, 'utterly' is the most suitable choice to intensify 'stupid' in the given sentence.