Dotard: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ด
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dotard

 

[ หˆdoสŠtษ™rd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

old person

A dotard is an elderly person who has become weak or senile. The term often carries a connotation of foolishness associated with a decline in mental faculties. It is used in a derogatory manner to imply a loss of intelligence or sharpness due to old age.

Synonyms

dodderer, fool, senile

Examples of usage

  • The old man was often referred to as a dotard by the younger villagers.
  • She felt that her dotard neighbor often misunderstood her intentions.
  • In literature, dotards are frequently portrayed as bumbling and confused.

Translations

Translations of the word "dotard" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น velho senil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ‚เคขเคผเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Senil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ orang tua

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะพั‚ะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ starzec

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่€ใ„ใผใ‚Œ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท vieux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ anciano

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yaลŸlฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋…ธ์ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุฌูˆุฒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ staล™ec

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ starรฝ ฤlovek

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่€ๅนดไบบ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ starฤek

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gamall

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐั€ะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ”แƒ แƒ˜แƒ™แƒแƒชแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qoca

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ anciano

Etymology

The word 'dotard' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French term 'doter', which means 'to dote'. This itself comes from the Latin 'dotare', meaning 'to bestow or to grant'. The evolution of the term reflects a shift towards indicating a state of mental decline that often accompanies old age. Historically, it has been used in literature and various texts to describe characters who exhibit confusion or foolishness due to their advanced age. Its use has varied, with notable mentions in works by Shakespeare and in early English literature, often employed to critique societal attitudes towards aging and wisdom.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,895, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.