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Ignorance: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคฆโ€โ™‚๏ธ
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ignorance

 

[ หˆษชษกnษ™rษ™ns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

lack of knowledge

Ignorance is the lack of knowledge or information about a particular subject or topic. It can result from a lack of education, experience, or exposure to certain ideas or concepts. Ignorance can lead to misunderstandings, prejudice, and uninformed decision-making.

Synonyms

ignorant, lack of knowledge, unawareness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ignorance

This word is often used when referring to a general state of not knowing something important. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

  • Her ignorance of the topic was evident during the discussion.
  • Ignorance is not an excuse for breaking the law.
unawareness

This noun is used when someone is not conscious or aware of something. It is generally neutral and less harsh.

  • His unawareness of the deadlines caused him to miss the submission.
  • There was unawareness about the new policy among the employees.
ignorant

This adjective is typically used to describe a person who lacks knowledge or awareness. It often has a negative connotation and can be considered offensive if used to describe someone.

  • He made an ignorant comment about the culture.
  • Calling someone ignorant can be very insulting.
lack of knowledge

This phrase is used in a neutral way to describe the state of not having information or understanding about something. It is less likely to offend compared to 'ignorant' or 'ignorance'.

  • Due to a lack of knowledge, she found the subject difficult to grasp.
  • The team's lack of knowledge about the market affected their strategy.

Examples of usage

  • Ignorance of other cultures can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
  • His ignorance about technology is evident in his inability to use basic software.
  • She displayed her ignorance by making assumptions without seeking more information.
Context #2 | Noun

disregard for facts

Ignorance can also refer to a willful disregard for facts or information. It may manifest as a deliberate refusal to accept reality or evidence, often driven by personal biases, beliefs, or agendas.

Synonyms

deliberate ignorance, denial, ignoring the truth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ignorance

This word is used when a person lacks knowledge or awareness about something. It has a neutral tone.

  • His ignorance about world history was surprising.
  • She blamed her failure on her own ignorance.
denial

Denial is used when a person refuses to accept reality or facts. It often has a negative connotation as it implies rejection of truth.

  • His constant denial of the problem made things worse.
  • She was in denial about her illness.
deliberate ignorance

This term is used when a person intentionally chooses not to know something. It implies a willful decision to avoid certain information.

  • Their deliberate ignorance of the warnings led to serious consequences.
  • He practiced deliberate ignorance to avoid feeling guilty.
ignoring the truth

This phrase is used when someone is aware of the truth but chooses not to acknowledge it. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • Ignoring the truth will only delay the inevitable.
  • Despite the evidence, he kept ignoring the truth.

Examples of usage

  • The politician's ignorance of scientific data led to ineffective policies.
  • His ignorance of climate change is evident in his dismissive attitude towards environmental concerns.

Translations

Translations of the word "ignorance" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ignorรขncia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคœเฅเคžเคพเคจเคคเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Ignoranz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ketidaktahuan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะฒั–ะณะปะฐัั‚ะฒะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ignorancja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็„ก็Ÿฅ (ใ‚€ใก)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ignorance

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ignorancia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท cehalet

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฌด์ง€ (mujji)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌู‡ู„ (jahl)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nevฤ›domost

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nevedomosลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ— ็Ÿฅ (wรบzhฤซ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nevednost

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vanรพekking

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฝะฐะดะฐะฝะดั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒ›แƒ”แƒชแƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ (umec'k'reba)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ cahillik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ignorancia

Etymology

The word 'ignorance' originated from the Latin word 'ignorantia', which means 'lack of knowledge'. Throughout history, ignorance has been recognized as a barrier to progress and understanding. Philosophers and thinkers have often emphasized the importance of combating ignorance through education, curiosity, and critical thinking. In modern times, the term is widely used to highlight the dangers of misinformation, bias, and intellectual closed-mindedness.

See also: ignorant, ignorantly, ignored, ignoring.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,180, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.