Idiot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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idiot

[ˈɪd.i.ət ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

offensive

A stupid or foolish person; someone who lacks intelligence or good judgment.

Synonyms

fool, imbecile, moron.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
idiot	This word is often used informally to describe someone who is acting very foolishly or without thinking. It has a strong negative connotation and can be hurtful. He's such an idiot for leaving his keys in the car. Only an idiot would jump into a pool with their phone.
fool	This word is often used to describe someone who lacks good judgment or sense. It can be used in a lighter, more humorous context, but it can also be offensive. Don't be a fool, always check your work before submitting. April Fool's Day always makes me feel like a fool.
moron	This word is used to describe someone acting very dumb or unintelligent. It carries a strong negative connotation and can be very insulting. Whoever did this is a complete moron. That moron didn't even know how to start the engine.
imbecile	This is an outdated term that used to classify people with intellectual disabilities but is now considered very offensive when used to describe someone's lack of intelligence. Only an imbecile would argue with the traffic cop. Calling someone an imbecile is not acceptable.

Examples of usage

He's such an idiot for believing that conspiracy theory.
Don't be an idiot, use common sense!

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A person of low intelligence; a mentally deficient person.

Synonyms

dimwit, dullard, simpleton.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
idiot	Use when you want to describe someone who lacks intelligence in a straightforward manner. It can be considered offensive and is often used in anger or frustration. Don't be an idiot; think before you act. He felt like an idiot for losing his keys again.
simpleton	This word is used to describe someone who is naïve or simple-minded. It can imply a lack of sophistication rather than just a lack of intelligence. He’s a simpleton who believes everything he reads on the internet. The character in the book is portrayed as a charming simpleton.
dimwit	This word has a slightly humorous or playful tone and can often be used to gently mock someone for their lack of intelligence. It is less harsh than 'idiot'. Only a dimwit would forget to lock the door. The movie portrays him as a lovable dimwit.
dullard	Use this word when describing someone who is both lacking intelligence and boring or slow to understand things. It is an old-fashioned term and sounds more formal. He is such a dullard; it's hard to have an interesting conversation with him. The meeting was filled with dullards who couldn't grasp the concept.

Examples of usage

She felt like an idiot for forgetting her own birthday.
He's not an idiot, just a bit forgetful.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

slang

A person who is irritating, annoying, or frustrating.

Synonyms

nuisance, pest, troublemaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
idiot	Best used to describe someone who is acting foolishly or lacks intelligence. It has negative connotations and can be offensive. He was such an idiot for not following the instructions. Don't be an idiot, think before you act.
nuisance	Used to describe someone or something that causes annoyance or inconvenience but is not necessarily harmful. The loud music from the party next door is a real nuisance. She's always calling at odd hours; it's such a nuisance.
pest	Refers to someone who is persistently annoying or bothersome. Can also apply to insects or animals that are troublesome. My little brother can be a real pest when I'm trying to study. The garden pests have ruined my flowers.
troublemaker	Describes someone who intentionally causes trouble or disrupts situations, often leading to conflicts. The new student is a known troublemaker and often gets into fights. She was labeled a troublemaker for always challenging the rules.

Examples of usage

He can be such an idiot when he's in a bad mood.
I'm tired of dealing with that idiot at work.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'idiot'

The word 'idiot' has its origins in the Greek language, where 'idiotes' referred to a private individual who did not hold any public office or participate in public life. Over time, the term evolved to mean a person lacking intelligence or common sense. The derogatory connotation of 'idiot' emerged in the English language, where it became associated with stupidity or foolishness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,655, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11652 forging
11653 heaviest
11654 kneeling
11655 idiot
11656 ideologies
11657 emblem
11658 revising
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