idiot

UK: ˈɪd.i.ət | US: ˈɪd.i.ət

Definition

  1. n. a person of low intelligence or lacking common sense

  2. n. (archaic) a person with profound intellectual disability

  3. n. (informal, offensive) a foolish or stupid person

Structure
idi <private, one’s own>ot <noun suffix>idi <private, one’s own>ot <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "idiot" traces back to Greek idiōtēs, meaning a private citizen or layperson (as opposed to a public figure or expert). Over time, it evolved in Latin (idiota) to imply ignorance due to lack of education. By the 14th century, English adopted it to describe intellectual deficiency, reflecting societal shifts linking isolation from knowledge with foolishness.

Examples

  1. He felt like an idiot after forgetting his own phone number.

  2. In ancient Athens, an idiot was simply someone uninvolved in politics.

  3. Don’t act like an idiot—think before you speak.

  4. The term was once medical but is now considered offensive.

  5. She called him an idiot for leaving the car unlocked.