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idiot — a stupid person

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a stupid person

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɪdiət/

Example Sentences

  • I felt like an idiot when I realized I'd been wearing my shirt inside out all day.
  • Only an idiot would try to fix a computer with a hammer.
  • Stop calling me an idiot just because I made one mistake!

idiot

NOUN

[/ˈɪdiət/]

a stupid person

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈɪdiət/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈɪdiət/

🌳Etymology

Rootidiot

Origin

The word derives from ancient Greek 'idiotes,' originally meaning a private citizen or individual who did not participate in public affairs. Over time, the term acquired a pejorative sense, coming to denote an ignorant or uneducated person.

Breakdown

Greek 'idiotes' (private person, from 'idios' meaning private or one's own) + the suffix '-ot' (agent noun marker). The semantic shift from 'private/uneducated citizen' to 'foolish person' reflects the ancient Greek cultural association between civic participation and intelligence.

🎵Rhyme

riot
pilot
diet

🔗Collocations

complete idiot
act like an idiot
village idiot
total idiot
call someone an idiot

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“I felt like an idiot when I realized I'd been wearing my shirt inside out all day.”

😄 Fun example

“Only an idiot would try to fix a computer with a hammer.”

“Stop calling me an idiot just because I made one mistake!”

“He's not an idiot; he just learns differently.”

📚Related Words

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