Dimwit: meaning, definitions and examples

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dimwit

 

[ หˆdษชm.wษชt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal insult

A dimwit is a stupid or foolish person.

Synonyms

fool, idiot, moron.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dimwit

This term is often used in informal conversations to describe someone who is perceived as not very smart. It can be playful or slightly derogatory.

  • Don't be such a dimwit, it's just a simple math problem.
  • He's a bit of a dimwit when it comes to technology.
idiot

This term is quite harsh and is often used to describe someone who is perceived as extremely unintelligent. It tends to have a very negative connotation.

  • Don't be such an idiot, think before you act.
  • That idiot almost caused a car accident!
fool

This word is generally used to describe someone who acts unwisely or lacks good judgment. It can be used in both friendly banter and more serious criticism.

  • You fool, you left the door unlocked all night!
  • Only a fool would invest in that company.
moron

Moron is another harsh term, similar to 'idiot,' used to describe someone who is considered very stupid. Its use is generally negative and can be offensive.

  • What a moron! He didn't even read the instructions.
  • I'm surrounded by morons at work.

Examples of usage

  • He's such a dimwit, he can't even tie his own shoes.
  • Don't listen to that dimwit, he doesn't know what he's talking about.
Context #2 | Noun

dated usage

A dimwit can also refer to a feeble-minded or mentally handicapped person.

Synonyms

imbecile, retard, simpleton.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dimwit

This term is often used in casual conversation to describe someone who lacks intelligence or does something foolish. It can be humorous but might also be offensive depending on the tone and context.

  • He forgot his keys again, what a dimwit.
  • Only a dimwit would think that was a good idea.
simpleton

This term is less harsh than 'imbecile' and 'retard' and is used to describe someone who is uncomplicated, perhaps naรฏve, or lacking in intelligence. It can be used somewhat affectionately or critically.

  • He's such a simpleton, always trusting everyone he meets.
  • Don't be such a simpleton, think it through first.
imbecile

This word is more severe and can be quite insulting. It is often used to strongly criticize someone's actions or decisions, suggesting that they are very foolish or lacking in intellect.

  • Only an imbecile would run a red light.
  • The plan was so poorly thought out that only an imbecile would believe it could work.
retard

This is a highly offensive term and is considered a slur. It has been used derogatorily to insult people but should be avoided due to its offensive nature and history of targeting individuals with disabilities.

  • He used to call people 'retard' in school, but it's really inappropriate and hurtful.

Examples of usage

  • The dimwit struggled to understand simple instructions.
  • People used to mistreat dimwits in the past due to ignorance and prejudice.

Translations

Translations of the word "dimwit" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น idiota

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅ‚เคฐเฅเค–

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Dummkopf

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bodoh

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดัƒั€ะตะฝัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gล‚upek

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใพใฌใ‘ (manuke)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท idiot

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ idiota

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ahmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ”๋ณด (babo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุจู„ู‡ (ablah)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hlupรกk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hlupรกk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฌจ่›‹ (bรจndร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bedak

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fรญfl

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐา›ั‹ะผะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒฃแƒšแƒ”แƒšแƒ˜ (suleli)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ axmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ idiota

Etymology

The word 'dimwit' originated in the early 20th century, as a combination of 'dim' (meaning stupid or dull) and 'wit' (referring to intelligence or mental capacity). It has been used as an informal insult to describe someone of low intelligence or mental acuity. Over time, the term has evolved to be more commonly associated with light-hearted teasing rather than serious criticism.

See also: dimly, dimmed, dimness.