Dotard

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

ˈdoʊtərd (American English), ˈdəʊtəd (British English)

Definitions

1. An old person, especially one who is weak or senile.
2. A person showing signs of mental decline due to age.

Usage Examples

• The dotard wandered the village, lost in his own thoughts.
• His ramblings were dismissed as those of a harmless dotard.
• The play depicted the king as a dotard clinging to power.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'dotard', from 'dote' (to be foolish) + '-ard' (pejorative suffix). First recorded in the 14th century.

Synonyms

• Senile person
• Elderly fool
• Old fool

Antonyms

• Youth
• Vigorous person
• Mentally sharp

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: ˈdəʊtəd
• American English: ˈdoʊtərd

Historical Usage

The word was often used in medieval literature to mock elderly figures whose age was associated with diminished mental capacity.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, the term carries a highly derogatory tone, while in others it is used more humorously to describe eccentric elders.

More Information

While 'dotard' is an archaic term, it has experienced occasional revivals in political and literary discourse. It embodies the tension between respect for the elderly and the stigma of aging. Understanding its usage in historical texts provides insight into how societies have viewed aging and mental decline across centuries.