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Dictionary Entry: Ignoramus

Ignoramus

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌɪɡ.nəˈreɪ.məs/

Definitions

  • 1. A person who is ignorant or lacks knowledge in a particular subject or in general.
  • 2. An insult or derogatory term for someone who is perceived as foolish or uneducated.

Usage Examples

  • "He was called an ignoramus for his lack of understanding of basic science."
  • "The professor had little patience for ignoramuses in her class."
  • "She felt insulted by his use of the term 'ignoramus' in the debate."

Etymology

From Latin "ignoramus," meaning "we do not know," the first person plural form of "ignorare," meaning "to not know." The term was first used in English in the early 17th century as a legal term to indicate a lack of knowledge or understanding, later evolving into a general insult.

Synonyms

  • Fool
  • Simpleton
  • Dunce
  • Ignorant person
  • Blockhead

Antonyms

  • Intellectual
  • Scholar
  • Wise person
  • Learned person
  • Enlightened person

Translations

LanguageTranslationPronunciation
Spanishignorante/iɣnoˈɾante/
Frenchignorant/iɲɔʁɑ̃/
GermanIgnorant/ˌɪɡnoˈʁɑ̃t/
Italianignorante/iɲoˈrante/
Russianневежественный/nʲɪˈvʲɛʐɨstvʲɪnɨj/
Chinese无知/wúzhī/
Japanese無知/muchi/
Korean무지한 사람/muji-han saram/
Arabicجاهل/jāhil/
Hindiअज्ञानी/ajñānī/
Bengaliঅজ্ঞ/ôjña/
Punjabiਅਜ੍ਞ/ajñ/
Odiaଅଜ୍ଞ/ajña/
Teluguఅజ్ఞాని/ajñāni/
Marathiअज्ञानी/ajñānī/
Gujaratiઅજ્ઞાની/ajñānī/
Malayalamഅജ്ഞാനി/ajñāni/
Tamilஅறிவினரற்றவர்/aṟiviṉaṟṟavar/
Urduجاہل/jāhil/
Portugueseignorante/iɡnoˈɾɐ̃tʃi/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • US: /ˌɪɡ.nəˈreɪ.məs/
  • UK: /ˌɪɡ.nəˈreɪ.məs/

Historical Usage

Initially used in a legal context, "ignoramus" referred to someone who was legally unaware or uninformed about a particular matter. Over time, the term evolved to become a more general insult, aimed at someone who lacks knowledge or education. It gained prominence in the 17th century and was widely used in English literature to mock or criticize ignorance.

Cultural Nuances

The use of the term "ignoramus" is often seen as derogatory and is used to highlight a person's ignorance in a sarcastic or insulting manner. It is typically used in formal or heated discussions to disparage someone's lack of understanding, particularly when it is viewed as an impediment to meaningful discourse.

More Information

The word "ignoramus" has had a lasting impact on language and is still in use today, often in humor or criticism. Its continued use reflects societal values related to knowledge, learning, and the respect accorded to educated individuals. The term remains an effective, albeit harsh, way to point out ignorance in various fields, from science to the arts.

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