Meaning & Definition of word "Idiot"

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    Idiot

    /ˈɪd.i.ət/

    noun:

    • 1. A person of low intelligence; a fool.
      • Example: He acted like an idiot during the presentation, forgetting all his lines.
    • 2. A person who is perceived to be behaving foolishly or senselessly.
      • Example: Don't be such an idiot; think before you speak!
    • 3. An informal term for someone lacking common sense.
      • Example: She called him an idiot for driving without a seatbelt.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'idiota', from Greek 'idiotes' meaning 'private citizen' or 'layman'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    Acting like an idiot:

    Behavior that is considered foolish or unreasonable.

    Idiot savant:

    A person who has a mental disability but is exceptionally talented in certain areas.

    Related Words

    fool:

    A person who acts unwisely.

    moron:

    A mentally deficient person.

    Slang Meanings of idiot

    Meaning: Numbnuts

    Example Sentence: Don't be a numbnuts and keep making the same mistakes.

    Meaning: Dingbat

    Example Sentence: He’s such a dingbat for forgetting our plans again.