idiot

noun

id·i·ot | \ˈi-dē-ət

Definition of idiot

1 : a foolish or stupid person

2 dated, now offensive : a person affected with extreme mental retardation

Other Words from idiot Synonyms & Antonyms Idiot Has Greek Roots Example Sentences Learn More about idiot

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Idiot Has Greek Roots

The Greek adjective idios means “one’s own” or “private.” The derivative noun idiōtēs means “private person.” A Greek idiōtēs was a person who was not in the public eye, who held no public office. From this came the sense “common man,” and later “ignorant person”—a natural extension, for the common people of ancient Greece were not, in general, particularly learned. The English idiot originally meant “ignorant person,” but the more usual reference now is to a person who lacks basic intelligence or common sense rather than education.

Examples of idiot in a Sentence

Don't be such an idiot! only an idiot would invest in a company just because a casual acquaintance recommended it

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Dictionary Entries near idiot

Statistics for idiot

Last Updated

21 Aug 2018

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More Definitions for idiot

idiot

noun

English Language Learners Definition of idiot

: a very stupid or foolish person

See the full definition for idiot in the English Language Learners Dictionary

idiot

noun

id·i·ot | \ˈi-dē-ət

Kids Definition of idiot

: a silly or foolish person

idiot

noun

id·i·ot | \ˈid-ē-ət

Medical Definition of idiot

dated, now offensive

: a person affected with extreme mental retardation

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idiot

noun

id·i·ot | \ˈi-dē-ət

Legal Definition of idiot

: a person with especially a profound intellectual disability

Note: While the terms idiot, imbecile, and moron survive in many state codes and statutes, they are generally no longer used in both medical and legal contexts. The modern terminology distinguishes between mild, moderate, severe, and profound levels of disability. Historically persons with intellectual disabilities have been deprived of certain rights (as in not being allowed to vote). Generally today, an adult with an intellectual disability who is his or her own guardian is not deprived of these rights.