Dotard: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ด
dotard
[ หdoสtษrd ]
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
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:
๐ต๐น velho senil
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเฅเคขเคผเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Senil
๐ฎ๐ฉ orang tua
๐บ๐ฆ ะดะพัะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ starzec
๐ฏ๐ต ่ใใผใ
๐ซ๐ท vieux
๐ช๐ธ anciano
๐น๐ท yaลlฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ ธ์ธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุนุฌูุฒ
๐จ๐ฟ staลec
๐ธ๐ฐ starรฝ ฤlovek
๐จ๐ณ ่ๅนดไบบ
๐ธ๐ฎ starฤek
๐ฎ๐ธ gamall
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะฐัะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแ แแแแชแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qoca
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.
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- 36892 horsey
- 36893 plumper
- 36894 returnee
- 36895 dotard
- 36896 malefic
- 36897 vindictively
- 36898 unhurriedly
- ...