Simpleton: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word to describe someone who lacks the ability to understand complicated things. It might suggest innocence but can also imply lack of sophistication. It's not necessarily overly offensive but may be condescending.

• Despite being a simpleton, he had a heart of gold.
• They often treated him like a simpleton because he worked in manual labor.

This term is more commonly used to describe someone who acts unwisely or makes poor decisions, often in a silly or irresponsible manner. It is harsher than 'simpleton' and usually carries a negative connotation.

• Only a fool would invest all their money in a single stock.
• Don't be a fool; double-check your work.

This word is very strong and offensive when used to describe someone. It implies a very low level of intelligence or common sense. It's best avoided in polite conversation due to its derogatory nature.

• Driving the wrong way down a one-way street makes you look like an idiot.
• He felt like an idiot after forgetting the meeting.

When someone is described as a naive person, it implies they lack experience, wisdom, or judgment. This term is milder and less offensive. It suggests innocence and often a generous or overly trusting nature.

• She's just a naive person who believes everyone is good.
• He lost a lot of money because he was a naive person who trusted easily.

Use 'simpleton' when referring to someone who lacks intelligence or good judgment. This term can carry a slightly negative connotation.

• The village always saw Tom as a simpleton, never taking his opinions seriously.
• Despite being a simpleton, Anna had a heart of gold.

Use 'foolish character' to describe someone in a story who often makes unwise decisions or acts in a silly manner.

• The foolish character in the play always got himself into trouble with his impulsive actions.
• She wrote her novel with a foolish character who kept tripping over his own feet.

Use 'comic relief character' when talking about a character in a story whose primary role is to provide humor and lighten the mood.

• In 'The Legend of Eldon', the comic relief character is a clumsy knight named Garlon.
• The movie was intense, but the comic relief character always came just in time to make everyone laugh.