Simpleton - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A simpleton is a person who lacks intelligence or common sense, often perceived as foolish or gullible. The term is used to describe someone who is easily deceived or slow to understand.
Definition:
A foolish or gullible person lacking intelligence or common sense.
Synonyms:
fool, dunce, idiot, moron
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
genius, intellectual
Common Collocations:
village simpleton, poor simpleton, harmless simpleton
Derivatives:
simpletonism, simpletonish
Usage Tips:
Use "simpleton" to describe someone perceived as unintelligent, often with a condescending tone; avoid in formal contexts.
Common Phrases:
act the simpleton, play the simpleton
Etymology:
Derived from "simple" + "-ton," a suffix implying a person with a certain characteristic (17th century).
Examples:
- 1. He laughed like a simpleton at every joke.
- 2. The villagers thought him a harmless simpleton.
- 3. Don’t act like a simpleton—think before you speak!
- 4. She dismissed his idea as something only a simpleton would believe.