Imbecile - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An imbecile is a foolish or stupid person, often lacking intelligence or common sense. The term is considered offensive when used to insult someone’s mental abilities.
imbecile
Definition:
A foolish or stupid person lacking intelligence or common sense.
Synonyms:
idiot, fool, moron, simpleton, dunce
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
genius, intellectual, sage
Common Collocations:
utter imbecile, complete imbecile, act like an imbecile
Derivatives:
imbecility, imbecilic
Usage Tips:
Use "imbecile" to describe someone behaving extremely foolishly; avoid in formal contexts due to its offensive connotation.
Common Phrases:
babbling imbecile, raving imbecile, hopeless imbecile
Etymology:
From Latin *imbecillus*, meaning "weak" or "feeble," later evolving to denote mental weakness.
Examples:
- 1. The teacher called him an imbecile for failing such an easy test.
- 2. Only an imbecile would ignore clear safety warnings.
- 3. She sighed at his imbecilic remark during the meeting.
- 4. The politician’s statement made him sound like a complete imbecile.