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Witless: meaning, definitions and examples

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witless

 

[ ˈwɪt.ləs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

lack of intelligence

The term 'witless' refers to a person who lacks intelligence or good sense. It is often used to describe someone who acts foolishly or without thought. The word can convey a sense of annoyance or disdain, particularly when someone's actions are perceived as mindless. This term can also imply a failure to use reason or logic in decision-making or behavior.

Synonyms

dull, foolish, ignorant, mindless, stupid.

Examples of usage

  • He made a witless comment during the meeting.
  • Her witless behavior left everyone baffled.
  • The witless criminal did not plan his escape.
  • Don't be so witless as to ignore the obvious signs.

Translations

Translations of the word "witless" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sem inteligência

🇮🇳 बेवकूफ

🇩🇪 töricht

🇮🇩 bodoh

🇺🇦 безглуздий

🇵🇱 bezmyślny

🇯🇵 愚かな

🇫🇷 sot

🇪🇸 tonto

🇹🇷 ahmak

🇰🇷 어리석은

🇸🇦 أحمق

🇨🇿 hloupý

🇸🇰 hlúpy

🇨🇳 愚蠢的

🇸🇮 neumen

🇮🇸 heimskur

🇰🇿 ақылсыз

🇬🇪 ბრიყვი

🇦🇿 axmaq

🇲🇽 tonto

Etymology

The word 'witless' can be traced back to Middle English, where it was formed from the combination of 'wit' and the suffix '-less'. 'Wit' itself comes from Old English 'witt', meaning 'knowledge' or 'understanding', while '-less' denotes the absence of something. Therefore, 'witless' literally means 'without wit' or 'lacking understanding'. The use of the term has evolved over the centuries, but it has consistently retained its negative connotation regarding intelligence and sensibility. In literature and conversation, 'witless' has often been employed to criticize or exemplify an individual's lack of cleverness or rational thought.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,648 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.