Idiot

Definition

A person of low intelligence or lacking common sense.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪdiət/
• Respelling: IH-dee-uht (with "IH" as in "tin," "dee" as in "deed," and "uht" as in "but")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪdɪət/
• Respelling: IH-di-uht (with "IH" as in "tin," "di" as in "dip," and "uht" as in "but")

In both dialects, "idiot" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "IH." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "IH-dee-uht" or "IH-di-uht."

Etymology

The term "idiot" originates from the Old French "idiote" and directly from the Latin "idiota", which means "ordinary person, layman". Historically, it referred to a layman or person lacking professional skill, derived from the Greek "idiotes" meaning "layperson or private citizen", as opposed to a government official or soldier. The modern sense of "one deficient in judgment and sense" is first recorded in the 1300s.

Derivatives

• Idiotic (adjective)
• Idiotically (adverb)
• Idiocy (noun)
• Idiot-proof (adjective)
• Idiotism (noun)

Synonyms

• Fool
• Dunce
• Dolt

Antonyms

• Genius
• Savant
• Scholar

Usage

The term "idiot" is often used pejoratively to describe someone who acts in a way perceived as very foolish or lacking in intelligence. It can be offensive and is considered derogatory when used to describe a person. In historical contexts, it has also been used in medical or legal classifications, though such usage is now outdated and considered inappropriate.

Related Terms

• Ignoramus
• Imbecile
• Moron
• Nincompoop
• Simpleton

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A Foolish Person: Someone who is considered to lack intelligence or common sense.
  • Example: He felt like an idiot after forgetting his own phone number.

• Historical Context (Obsolete): A person with a severe intellectual disability, specifically someone with a mental age below three years (no longer in use and considered offensive).
  • Example: The term "idiot" was once used in legal contexts to describe someone who was unable to manage their own affairs.

Note: The term "idiot" has largely fallen out of use in professional settings due to its derogatory and offensive connotations. The term is considered outdated and insensitive when referring to intellectual disabilities. It is now primarily used colloquially to express frustration or disdain.