Ignoramus Meaning and Definition

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Ignoramus

Pronunciation

/ɪgnɔˈræməs/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who is grossly ignorant or uninformed.

Examples

  • The politician’s ignorance of the issue led critics to label him an ignoramus.
  • The expert’s attempt to explain the complex concept to the ignoramus was met with confusion.

Synonyms

  • Ignorant
  • Uninformed

Antonyms

  • Erudite
  • knowledgeable

Etymology

The word “Ignoramus” comes from the Latin phrase “ignoro”, meaning “I do not know”, and was originally used in the 17th century to describe someone who denied knowledge of the law.

Usage Notes

The word “Ignoramus” is often used in a humorous or ironic way to describe someone who is deliberately ignorant or uninformed.

Cultural References

  • The word “Ignoramus” was famously used as a running gag in the 1980s TV show “The Young Ones”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • “Ignoramus perfide” – a Latin phrase meaning “wicked ignoramus”

Related Words or Phrases

  • Ignorant
  • Uninformed
  • Ignorantia

Collocations

  • Ignoramus and politics
  • Ignoramus and science

Frequency of Use

The word “Ignoramus” is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is still a useful term in certain contexts, such as satire and humor.

Common Misspellings

  • Igernus
  • Ignoramusy

Related Words