Meaning & Definition of word "Imbecile"
to
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.