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goof around

B1 informal intransitive
In simple words

To act silly and have fun instead of doing something serious.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To spend time behaving in a silly or playful manner, often without a serious purpose.

"Stop goofing around and finish your homework!"

2 B1 idiomatic informal

To waste time doing nothing in particular.

"We spent the afternoon just goofing around at the park."

Usage notes

Primarily American English, though well understood in other varieties. Often used for children playing around or adults avoiding responsibility in a light-hearted way. Generally positive or neutral in tone.

Commonly used with

kids friends classroom work all day instead of

Forms

Base
goof around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goofs around
he/she/it
Past simple
goofed around
yesterday
Past participle
goofed around
have + pp
-ing form
goofing around
continuous

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Synonyms

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