VocabDictionary

idiot

/ˈɪd.i.ət/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A stupid person; a foolish or unwise individual.

Example Sentences:
  • I felt like an absolute idiot when I dropped my keys down the drain.
  • Only an idiot would drive without wearing a seatbelt.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “idiot”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek 'idiōtēs', meaning a private person, individual, or someone who is unskilled or ignorant (from 'idios', meaning one's own or private). In classical Athens, it referred to a citizen who was uninvolved in public life and politics. By Middle French and Late Latin, the meaning shifted to denote an uneducated or ignorant person, eventually evolving into its modern English derogatory sense.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of an 'idiot' as someone acting 'odd' and doing things without thinking.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “idiot

1. What is the meaning of “idiot” in English?

In English, idiot (noun) is defined as: “A stupid person; a foolish or unwise individual.”.

2. How do you use “idiot” in a sentence?

I felt like an absolute idiot when I dropped my keys down the drain.

3. What are English synonyms of “idiot”?

Common synonyms include:fool,moron,simpleton,dunce

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “idiot”?

Derived from the ancient Greek 'idiōtēs', meaning a private person, individual, or someone who is unskilled or ignorant (from 'idios', meaning one's own or private). In classical Athens, it referred to a citizen who was uninvolved in public life and politics. By Middle French and Late Latin, the meaning shifted to denote an uneducated or ignorant person, eventually evolving into its modern English derogatory sense.