Meaning & Definition of word "Imbecile"

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    Imbecile

    /ˈɪm.bə.sɪl/

    noun:

    • 1. A person who is considered very foolish or stupid.
      • Example: He acted like an imbecile when he forgot his own birthday.
    • 2. A person with a mental age of between 7 and 12 years; a mildly retarded person.
      • Example: Historically, the term 'imbecile' was used in clinical settings to describe certain levels of intellectual disability.

    adjective:

    • 1. Relating to or characterized by stupidity or foolishness.
      • Example: That was an imbecile decision that could have serious consequences.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'imbecilis' meaning 'weak' or 'weak-minded'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    playing the imbecile:

    Pretending to be stupid or ignorant.

    acting like an imbecile:

    Behaving foolishly or irrationally.

    not the brightest bulb:

    Referring to someone who is not intelligent; similar to calling them an imbecile.

    Related Words

    idiot:

    A person of very low intelligence.

    fool:

    A person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person.

    dunce:

    A slow-witted or unintelligent person.

    Slang Meanings of imbecile

    Meaning: Numbskull

    Example Sentence: Only a numbskull would try that stunt.

    Meaning: Bonehead

    Example Sentence: Don't be a bonehead; that idea is terrible.

    Meaning: Blockhead

    Example Sentence: He felt like a blockhead after realizing his mistake.